documentary photo project
- OF TOROISES AND PRESERVATION -
- OF TOROISES AND PRESERVATION -
Behind the scenes of Münsters Allwetterzoo, undoubtedly, there are some things happening that most of the daily visitors are unaware of. However, few would probably expect a secret turtle breeding station where some of the rarest and most expensive turtle species in the world are kept and bred. But what exactly is this "Internationales Zentrum für Schildkrötenschutz" (International Tortoise Conservation Center) all about?
In this short photo story, I take a look behind the scenes of the zoo and visit this hidden tortoise station, its caretaker Christian Langner, and its founder Elmar Meier. I accompany them in their work and closely examine what is being done in this part of the zoo for species conservation, a topic that is becoming increasingly important and has led to criticism of many zoos.
Through an inconspicuous gray door in the zoo's entrance area, you enter the interior of the station.
To the right of the door, there is a sign displaying sponsors and the official name:
"Internationales Zentrum für Schildkrötenschutz" (International Tortoise Conservation Center).
To the right of the door, there is a sign displaying sponsors and the official name:
"Internationales Zentrum für Schildkrötenschutz" (International Tortoise Conservation Center).
Upon entering, you are greeted by a lot of greenery, with numerous plants providing hiding spots for the tortoises.
They are kept separately from each other because they are not social animals, as explained by
Elmar Meier, the founder of the station.
They are kept separately from each other because they are not social animals, as explained by
Elmar Meier, the founder of the station.
Despite the artificial plants, this tortoise feels comfortable in its terrarium because as long as it has
peace and quiet away from other animals, it can relax.
peace and quiet away from other animals, it can relax.
Christian Langner is the head of the facility. He takes care of cleaning the tanks, as well as the feeding and health of the animals. Here, he prepares fruit for the upcoming feeding.
The Allwetterzoo in Münster is the only zoo in Europe that houses and successfully breeds these tortoises of the species Leucocephalon yuwonoi. Soon, offspring of this species are set to be transferred back to their native grounds in Indonesia
to establish the foundation for a breeding project on-site. The long-term goal is to reintroduce them into nature.
to establish the foundation for a breeding project on-site. The long-term goal is to reintroduce them into nature.
Today, it's time to weigh and measure this tortoise. Christian will then record the measurements in his chart
to keep track of the animals' health.
to keep track of the animals' health.
While the tortoises in the permanently warm tropical area of the station require high temperatures and humidity, the animals
in the second room of the station need a distinct summer/winter cycle. Currently, it's a cool 12°C in this room.
in the second room of the station need a distinct summer/winter cycle. Currently, it's a cool 12°C in this room.
Cuora zhoui is not only the rarest species in the station but also one of the most endangered turtle species on Earth, considered extinct in the wild. There are less than 160 individuals worldwide, with over 90 of them being hatched at this station, and it is only here, within the Allwetterzoo's species conservation project, that they are regularly bred. This facility also achieved the world's first successful captive breeding of this species.
The station contributes significantly to the conservation of these endangered animals through impressive breeding results.
Since the project's inception 20 years ago, the IZS (International Turtle Conservation Center) has hatched over 900 juvenile
turtles of various species.
Since the project's inception 20 years ago, the IZS (International Turtle Conservation Center) has hatched over 900 juvenile
turtles of various species.
This Cuora zhoui, hatched in October 2022, is one of many juveniles that were born in the station just last year.
Elmar Meier (left) was responsible for the opening of the center in 2003. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IZS.
While he is officially retired now, he still regularly checks on the facility and steps in for his successor,
Christian Langner (right), when needed.
While he is officially retired now, he still regularly checks on the facility and steps in for his successor,
Christian Langner (right), when needed.
In the foyer of the Center for Turtle Conservation, an exhibition on species conservation is soon to be created,
providing visitors with a glimpse into the work carried out here.
providing visitors with a glimpse into the work carried out here.
A big thanks to Christian Langner and Elmar Meier for participating, as well as
the Allwetterzoo Münster, for making this project possible.
the Allwetterzoo Münster, for making this project possible.
