About Mekong Turtle Conservation Center

Seasonal release of protected hatchlings 7-20 August 2013, Book now, limited season! For the first time, you can participate in softshell hatchling releases on the Mekong River. For $19 per person*, you can visit the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center on the 100 Pillar Pagoda Grounds where your turtle is blessed, then take a boat ride on the Mekong River and release the hatchlings back into the wild.About the Mekong Turtle Conservation CenterVisit the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center today and see one of the world’s rarest and largest freshwater turtles, Cantor’s Softshell Turtle!The Mekong Turtle Conservation Center (MTCC) is located at the beautiful and historic 480 year old 100 Pillar Pagoda, (Wat Sor Sor Muoy Roy), north of Kratie town in Sambor district. The MTCC was opened by Conservation International to increase the wild population of the endangered Cantor’s Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) in the nearby Mekong River, through headstarting turtle hatchlings from the community-led turtle nest program.The facility has over forty indoor tanks containing juvenile turtles which are kept for a 10 month period before releasing into their natural habitat, the Mekong River. This headstarting process increases hatchling survival rates. The MTCC also has as a large outdoor pond for the turtle breeding program where you can view the larger adult Cantor’s Softshell Turtles. There are also many other Asian turtle species at the facility to see.Come and see the turtles and this unique conservation project in action!All entry fees, donations and purchases made will directly support this project and the participating local villagers.
 

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