Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26, in Vergèze, the passion association Tortues opens its doors. Almost 1,200 shelled reptiles to discover, including fifty species and the famous kinixys speki, with an articulated shell.
The association Turtles of passionlocated in Vergèze, aims to encourage, promote and develop the study, protection and conservation of turtles in the Occitania region and the surrounding area.
Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26, from 10 am to noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm, for the ninth edition, Tortues passion opens its doors at 33, rue du Rhony in Vergèze.
Recently, three Chelonians found refuge in the association. Turtles found in nature, in Béziers, Vérargues and Vergèze: “It’s almost every day that we have a little”explains Bernard Boussac, president of the association that works with his team for the recovery and well-being of shelled reptiles. “Soon, we will no longer be able to accommodate the younger ones. We explain to people not to put boys and girls together but, until they are between 8 and 12 years old, we cannot do anything with them, nor let them be adopted. saturates us”.
About fifty marine or terrestrial species
Currently, in the park of about 2000 m², there are almost 1200 heads. “A little less than last year after the death of the oldest,” continues the president.
This represents about fifty species, marines with Florida, Sulcata from Senegal, new Asian ocadia sinensis that are now sold in garden centers, pelusios or pelomedusa, turtle with a snake’s neck, from Africa.
But there are also land-based ones like the very special kinixys spekii with its articulated helmet at the back. A whole range of copies that the public can, walking through the corridors, discover and learn thanks to the explanatory panels but also to a dedicated person who provides all the information.
A passionate volunteer team of shell friends
The accommodation center Tortues Passion is recognized by the OFB (French Office of Biodiversity) before ONCFS (National Office of Hunting and Wildlife), of customs and the gendarmerie as a response to the problems of recovery and conservation of chelonians. It is made up of volunteers and benefits from the infrastructure provided by the municipality of Vergèze (Gard).
To feed the turtles, part of the supply of fruit and vegetables is from gardeners and local businesses.