At a drainage pool near a popular hiking site in Hong Kong’s rural Tai Po district, a group of volunteers armed with snorkels, nets and gloves wade through the muddy water to find dozens of turtles left there by residents. The red-eared slider turtles were released into the wild through a practice known as “mercy release”—a concept rooted in a Buddhist belief that freeing animals brings good fortune. But many animals are being intentionally captured and sold just to be set free, animal experts said, while the turtles often get hurt or even die after being left in waterways.

Hong Kong volunteers aid injured turtles after 'mercy release'. (2021, May 15). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A16.