Turtles thought stolen from Cornwall Park aviary, Hastings

Hawkes Bay Today

4 Jan, 2026 02:29 AMQuick Read

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A turtle takes a splash at Cornwall Park aviary, Hastings. Photo / NZME

A number of turtles are missing from Cornwall Park aviary in Hastings, presumed stolen, after the wire around their enclosure was tampered with.

A police spokesperson said they had received a burglary report that suggested they had been stolen sometime between midnight Friday and 6am Saturday.

Police are investigating the
report, the spokesperson said.

The 15 turtles at the aviary are red-eared slider turtles, which are classified as a pest and can cause harm to native ecosystems if released into the wild.

In 2023, the Cornwall Park aviary was reopened after an upgrade, with a new enclosure and “beach” provided to the turtles for a more natural egg-laying area.