Convocation Newsletter, Spring 2019

Actionin Nature Dr Gary Ades (PhD 1995), who completed his doctorate in ecology & biodiversity, has worked at the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden for nearly 25 years. There, he heads the Fauna Conservation Department that operates a Wild Animal Rescue Centre, the only non-governmental facility of its kind in Hong Kong. Between 1994 and 2018, the Centre received over 47,000 animals in need of rescue. However, only about half could be successfully rehomed or returned to the wild in good health. Dr Ades described the “inhumane and cruel ways” in which animals were smuggled. “Many are for the pet trade,” Dr Ades explained. “Members of the public may not be aware that they are taking part in illegal trade.” He cited examples such as owls, which became popular during the “Harry Potter craze”, and entire suitcases packed with turtles. Hong Kong Customs in 2007 also intercepted the smuggling of a rare live infant primate – a Siamang Gibbon valued at approximately US$10,000 in the pet trade at the time. “The public may not be aware that they are taking part in illegal trade.” Photo: Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden