Our Inspiration 靈感來自
The current situation for turtles in Hong Kong is dire, largely due to two troubling trends. First, turtles are often sold at low prices in the pet industry, leading many children to adopt them based on their initial cuteness. However, as these turtles grow, interest tends to fade, resulting in abandonment in parks and ponds.
Second, a superstitious practice known as "mercy release" exacerbates the problem. Individuals purchase turtles with the misguided belief that releasing them into the wild will bring good luck, contributing to the thousands of abandoned turtles that disrupt local ecosystems.
These practices not only threaten the turtles themselves but also pose significant risks to the local environment. We believe that all lives are precious, regardless of size. Our initiative seeks to raise awareness, educate the community, and implement sustainable solutions for turtle care and conservation.
What do we want to solve? 解決什麼社會問題
Our first step is to revitalize the existing Turtle Inn at St. Hilary's Tai Po. By creating an engaging and interactive enclosure, we aim to attract students and the wider community, providing a platform for our Turtle Ambassador Program. This program will empower students at St Hilary's to educate their peers about the responsibilities of turtle ownership, fostering a sense of stewardship and care for our turtles.
In addition, we plan to develop a comprehensive turtle handbook. While a wealth of information exists online, our goal is to curate and present this knowledge in an interactive, bilingual, and user-friendly format. This handbook will serve as a valuable resource for current and prospective turtle owners, ensuring they understand the commitment involved in turtle care.
Our challenges 我們遇到的挑戰
One pressing issue is our limited financial resources. Winter poses a critical threat to turtles, making it essential to warm their enclosure promptly to ensure their survival and well-being. We need resources in order to create a safe and comfortable environment for these vulnerable creatures.
Additionally, we aim to tackle the widespread misconceptions surrounding turtle ownership, particularly the perception of turtles as mere novelties and the popular belief in "mercy release." We recognize that these beliefs have been ingrained in our culture for a long time, and shifting public perception is no easy task. We need to work and plan how to implement effective educational campaigns that raise awareness and promote a more responsible approach to turtle care.
We are we? 我們是誰
We are class 5B from St. Hilary's Primary School (Tai Po Campus).
