Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam — 12^th of May 2026

Twenty-eight endangered turtles have been successfully repatriated from South Korea to Vietnam as part of an important international conservation effort to protect some of Asia’s most threatened chelonian species.

The turtles were transferred from the Animal Shelter Management Department of the National Institute of Ecology (NIE), South Korea, to the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) at Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. The repatriated animals include:

• 02 Indochinese Box Turtles (Cuora galbinifrons)
• 04 Bourret’s Box Turtles (Cuora bourreti)
• 10 Keeled Box Turtles (Cuora mouhotii)
• 12 Black-breasted Leaf Turtles (Geoemyda spengleri)

The Turtle Conservation Centre is a collaborative program between the Asian Turtle Program of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (ATP/IMC) and Cuc Phuong National Park, and is Vietnam’s largest facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, conservation breeding, and protection of endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles.

Prior to their arrival in Vietnam, all the turtles underwent quarantine, veterinary examinations and health screening for infectious diseases by the Veterinary Department of the National Institute of Ecology. Upon arrival at the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC), the animals were placed into a separate quarantine area under the supervision of conservation specialists. Following quarantine and further health assessments, the turtles will either become part of long-term conservation breeding programs or, where appropriate, be considered for future release into suitable habitats in Vietnam.

Freshwater turtles and tortoises are among the most threatened vertebrate groups in the world, with many Asian species facing severe declines due to the illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and overexploitation. Vietnam is recognised as a global priority for turtle conservation, with numerous species now critically endangered or disappearing rapidly from the wild.

“This repatriation demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global wildlife trade crisis and conserving endangered species,” said Tim McCormack, Director of the Asian Turtle Program. “Each individual turtle is valuable for the long-term survival of these species, and collaborative efforts like this play an essential role in securing their future.”

The Asian Turtle Program and Cuc Phuong National Park would like to express sincere appreciation to the National Institute of Ecology, relevant authorities in South Korea and Vietnam, and all conservation partners involved in facilitating the successful repatriation and transfer of these endangered animals.

The Asian Turtle Program continues to work closely with government agencies, protected areas, local communities, and international conservation organisations to rescue trafficked turtles, strengthen assurance colonies, and support the recovery of endangered turtle populations across Vietnam.

Press release by: Thuy Nguyen – ATP/IMC

Date: 25^th May 2026

Acknowledgement:

We would like to thank Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for their long-running support of the TCC and Cuc Phuong National Park. We would also like to thank the Animal Shelter Management Department of the National Institute of Ecology (NIE), South Korea, for rehabilitating these animals and returning them to Vietnam.