Only 75 spotted pond turtles out of 96 seized from smugglers have survived and are expected to be released in the wild in Uttar Pradesh state.

Fourteen of them were found dead when seized, while 7 more died while being kept at at Seminary Hills deer park.

As reported by The Times of India:

“On June 1, 96 turtles, listed under Schedule I (Part II) of Wildlife Protection Act 1972, were seized from two persons. Of these 14 were found dead. Of the remaining 82, seven have died in forest department’s custody.

“The remaining 75 turtles will be taken by road to Lucknow on Wednesday morning. Earlier, there were plans to shift the turtles by flight but owing to technical problems, it was decided to transport them by an air-conditioned vehicle. A range forest officer (RFO), a forester, forest guard and a NGO representative will accompany the turtles.”