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IN PHOTOS: 216 rescued Indian star tortoises repatriated from Mumbai, Thane to Tadoba

Updated On: 23 August, 2026 09:59 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

In a major wildlife conservation effort, 216 rescued Indian star tortoises from Mumbai and Thane have been repatriated to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) as part of a new initiative to return trafficked reptiles to suitable natural habitats. (Pics/ Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare)

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The 216 tortoises were rescued during various enforcement operations against illegal wildlife trafficking, as well as separate rescue efforts across Mumbai and Thane. (Pic/ RAWW)
The 216 tortoises were rescued during various enforcement operations against illegal wildlife trafficking, as well as separate rescue efforts across Mumbai and Thane. (Pic/ RAWW)
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Of the total, 150 tortoises were being rehabilitated by RAWW, while the remaining animals were housed at the Forest Department’s Thane Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) and with TCPCA, PAWS and WWA

Of the total, 150 tortoises were being rehabilitated by RAWW, while the remaining animals were housed at the Forest Department’s Thane Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) and with TCPCA, PAWS and WWA

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The initiative aims to establish a structured and scientifically managed system for periodically repatriating Indian star tortoises rescued from Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to suitable natural habitats

The initiative aims to establish a structured and scientifically managed system for periodically repatriating Indian star tortoises rescued from Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to suitable natural habitats

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A 10-member team comprising wildlife experts and Forest Department personnel from the Mumbai Range and RAWW transported the tortoises more than 800 km to Tadoba in a specialised RAWW wildlife ambulance

A 10-member team comprising wildlife experts and Forest Department personnel from the Mumbai Range and RAWW transported the tortoises more than 800 km to Tadoba in a specialised RAWW wildlife ambulance

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The reptiles were carried in ventilated, cushioned carriers, with the team making scheduled halts to monitor their health and hydration throughout the journey

The reptiles were carried in ventilated, cushioned carriers, with the team making scheduled halts to monitor their health and hydration throughout the journey

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After reaching Tadoba, the tortoises underwent medical examinations and were kept under observation overnight before their release

After reaching Tadoba, the tortoises underwent medical examinations and were kept under observation overnight before their release

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They were subsequently released in batches into designated forest ranges following conservation protocols

They were subsequently released in batches into designated forest ranges following conservation protocols

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Officials maintained a scientifically determined male-to-female ratio during the release to support the long-term sustainability of the population.

Officials maintained a scientifically determined male-to-female ratio during the release to support the long-term sustainability of the population.

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