This turtle has been a prisoner for over 20 years in a tiny aquarium: you also sign the petition to free it

For more than two decades, an alligator turtle has lived locked up in a small aquarium in Alushta, in Crimea. An animal that in nature can reach impressive dimensions – over two meters in length and more than 90 kilos of weight – instead finds itself surviving in a tank of just 1200 liters, a tiny space compared to its real biological needs.

The complaint comes from a campaign on Change.org, launched by the British town Shara Browning, who asks for the transfer of the animal to a sanctuary or rehabilitation center, where he can live in dignified conditions and recover part of his lost freedom.

International mobilization

In a few weeks, the petition has collected thousands of signatures from all over the world, attracting the attention of activists, environmentalists and simple indignant citizens. In the comments you read hard words: “inhuman“,”shocking“,”cruel“

The campaign does not just point the finger at the aquarium, but also calls the Ukrainian authorities into question, so that they intervene. The problem, however, is complex: as we all know, Crimea is a territory marked by political and legal tensions and the protection of animals in captivity is almost non -existent.

The risks of a wrong action

However, the organizers launched a warning: too much media pressure could turn into a danger for the animal. In other countries of Eastern Europe, similar cases ended with the sudden disappearance of animals, hidden or even suppressed to avoid scandals.

For this reason, the campaign invites caution: not to clamor, but to a responsible commitment made of awareness, dialogue with institutions and contacts with local associations such as life, active in the defense of animal rights. Only in this way will it be possible to offer this turtle a different future, made of clean water, sufficient space and freedom of movement. Not only for her, but as a symbol of a new approach to animals held in aquariums and marine parks.

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