Live turtles found in post
Postal workers sorting packages in a western Australian mail room discovered four parcels containing 24 protected turtles and a skink lizard.
When the packages were opened at the Perth international mailing centre, 13 of the protected Oblong turtles, wrapped tightly in socks, were already dead.
The state’s environment minister said customs officials and conservation officials were immediately notified of the consignment which was bound for Japan.
“Illegal export of wildlife is often a very cruel practice, as many of the offenders ignore the health and well-being of the animals by packing them tightly in small containers with insufficient air, food and water,” Judy Edwards said.
Edwards said the skink may be worth up to €2,200 and the turtles around €900 in Japan.
The size of the turtles ranged from two inches to 12 inches.
The surviving animals were taken to Perth Zoo and were expected to be eventually released back into the wild.
