i visited an aquarium today in great portland street. I was enjoying looking at all the fish, then in the very back corner down stairs was a very large pig nose turtle probably about 20inches in length much bigger than a dinner plate, in a very small tank less than 40inches in width. All the poor thing could do was pace side to side. I can't stop thinking about it and what I can do? Surley this can't be allowed! Your advise would be much appreciated.

Hi
Can you not speak with the owner and explain that the conditions the turtle is being housed is not correct and point out the reasons why perhaps hand them some care sheets. If that doesn't work then I would contact trading standards,  if possible try and take a photo that will help to explain to TS This is just my personal opinion others may think that is best handled in a different way, but I hope this gives you a starting point. It is heart breaking to see these beautiful shelled friends treating with so little respect , I think it affects us more the more we learn and are aware of how they should be kept. In the meantime give your little one lots of attention and think how lucky they are to have found you
Jane, Keya&Molly  

Hi there,

It's always shocking to see turtles kept in cramped conditions. I'm especially interested here as the Pig Nosed Turtle or Fly River Turtle (Carettochelys Insculpta) is CITES II listed and is therefore under the same sale constraints as most Med tortoises. Was the turtle for sale or was it a display specimen?

If the latter is true this is even more distressing, Fly River Turtles are one of the truely aquatic turtles, never leaving the water except the females, which only leave the water to lay eggs. They have flippers in place of feet, like Sea Turtles which makes the thought of a 20" specimen (virtually fully grown) in a 40" tank extremely cruel in my opinion.

Thank you both for getting back to me so quickly, I'm going to visit tomorrow and ask some questions to find out if it's for sale etc

The aquatic shop gets some really horrible reviews on google so it wouldn't surprise me if it was for sale.

I will keep you both posted and thanks again.