VAAL TRIANGLE.- The Vereeniging & Vanderbijlpark SPCA is urgently urging the public to resist buying wild animals.

By purchasing, you inadvertently support the illegal trade, perpetuating its existence.

Thanks to the community’s vigilance, the SPCA recently rescued a fortunate tortoise from the clutches of illegal trade.

The lucky survivor underwent a veterinary examination, revealing an impressive weight of 26 kg, and is now on his way to a wildlife rehabilitation and release centre.

“It’s disheartening to share that the sale of wild animals is illegal, yet we still receive calls about chameleons and tortoises being sold on the side of the road,” the animal welfare organisation said in a statement.

“Say NO to the illegal wildlife trade!”