Mysore/Mysuru: City wildlife conservationist Ryan Satish, with the help of the Forest Department, has rescued two turtles from a restaurant and has released them into a lake.

On July 22, Ryan found two turtles (Indian Pond Terrapin and Indian Flapshell Turtle) which are protected species, at a restaurant in city. On enquiry, he came to know that these turtles were abandoned by unknown persons at a tank in the restaurant.

After reaching out to Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Dr. K.C. Prashant Kumar, Ryan, along with Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) Chandrasekhar, rescued the two turtles and released them in a nearby lake. 

The owner of the restaurant, who understood the importance of these species, assisted in the release of the turtles. 

These species are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and these turtles cannot be kept in captivity or as pets. Due to the support of the Forest Department, these turtles will be able to live in their natural habitat.

Members of the public, who come across these protected animals in captivity or injured, may inform about the same to the Forest Department.