Rescued turtles find home at Asola Bhatti park; currently hosting 4 species of 250 Indian turtles

A “transit camp” setup by the state forest and wildlife department at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is now witnessing a flurry of activity, recording its most successful turtle breeding season.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

A special pond developed at the site is now home to over four different species—both hard-shell and soft-shell—of 250 Indian turtles, including 20 freshly hatched ones, officials said.

Officials said that the transit camp was started in January 2022 to house trafficked, injured and rescued animals. The pond was created as part of this camp to provide a safe and natural habitat for turtles. The forest department said habitat enrichment over the past year has led to its most successful breeding season.

“Between 20 and 25 turtles have hatched this season and more could be on the way. There has been focused action on the pond, which includes setting up rocks on the edges and planting native grasses where they can hide, nest, find food and even rest. In addition, logs have been placed in the middle of the pond, where they like to sit and bask,” a senior forest official said, adding that another special area, with fresh sand, has also been created for turtles to bask in the sun.