Once a victim of the illegal wildlife trade, a rescued African Spurred Tortoise is now front and centre of a new exhibition uncovering the global trafficking crisis – and it is time to name her.
Running until 28 November, Wildlife Crime in Our Backyard is Australia’s first public showcase dedicated to wildlife and environmental crime. Located at the Plane Tree Centre, just outside the Adelaide Zoo entrance, the exhibition is free to attend and aims to raise awareness of the world’s fourth largest transnational crime.
To help engage the public, Adelaide Zoo is inviting visitors to vote on a name for the tortoise by scanning a QR code available only at the exhibition. The tortoise herself can be seen inside the zoo, where she has spent the past year settling into her new home after her dramatic rescue.
Jordan O’Dea, Acting Team Supervisor of Herpetofauna at Adelaide Zoo, says the tortoise has come a long way since her arrival.
“She’s a very special tortoise to us. She arrived after being confiscated over a year ago and, while it was a sad start, she’s recovered incredibly well and is now thriving,” he says.
“She’s got a big personality and it’s a privilege to care for her. African Spurred Tortoises can live for up to 100 years. We’re not exactly sure how old she is, but we estimate she’s over 10.
“This week we’re inviting the public to help name her. Come visit the Wildlife Crime in Our Backyard showcase at the Plane Tree Centre and cast your vote.”
Presented by the University of Adelaide’s Wildlife Crime Research Hub in partnership with Zoos SA, the exhibition explores the confronting reality of wildlife trafficking both in Australia and around the world. It features award-winning photojournalism by Adam Oswell, research-led infographics, and displays from Crime Stoppers SA, Taronga Zoo, Cleland Wildlife Park and others.
Professor Phill Cassey, Director of the Wildlife Crime Research Hub, says the scale of the problem is alarming.
“Wildlife trafficking doesn’t just happen overseas. Australian parrots, reptiles and even plants and insects are being targeted by smugglers every day,” he says.
“These crimes often fly under the radar, but they are putting our ecosystems, species and security at risk. This exhibition helps shine a light on what’s happening and how the public can help.”
The illegal wildlife trade is worth an estimated AU$32 billion and is growing up to three times faster than the global economy. From backyard poaching to international smuggling networks, the exhibition reveals how these crimes threaten species survival and what researchers, authorities and organisations are doing to stop them.
Mark Smith, Conservation Manager at Zoos SA, says public awareness and education are essential.
“Wildlife crime is happening right here in our backyard, and the more people know about it, the more pressure we can put on offenders and policymakers,” he says.
“This exhibition does more than tell the story. It gives people the knowledge to recognise it, the confidence to report it, and a chance to be part of the solution. And the rescued tortoise is the perfect ambassador for that message.”
Wildlife Crime in Our Backyard is free and open daily at the Plane Tree Centre until 28 November. Zoo entry is not required to access the exhibition. Voting to name the tortoise is only available onsite by scanning the QR code at the exhibition.
