“The aviary was home to the turtles, ranging in age from about 5 to 20 years, and they were a much-loved feature for visitors to Cornwall Park,” the spokesperson said.

The stolen turtles can live for up to 50 years in captivity and grow to around 35cm in shell length.

“At the aviary, the turtles are cared for by trained staff and provided with a specialised diet of high-quality pellets and fresh vegetables to support their health and wellbeing,” a council spokesperson said.

“Their purpose-built habitat includes both land and water areas, allowing them to show natural behaviours such as swimming, basking, foraging and egg-laying.

“It is vital that the turtles are kept in a cool area with water.”

They said the turtles should not be released into the wild.

“Released turtles are unlikely to survive and can cause harm to local ecosystems. They can prey on fish, aquatic plants, kōura and insects, as well as small birds such as ducklings, displace nesting wetland birds and degrade water quality.

“Given the specialist care required and their low monetary value, it is possible the turtles may have been dumped.”

If found, the turtles should be placed in a secure, ventilated container lined with a damp towel and dropped off at the SPCA at 8 Heathcote Rd, Longlands, or to Hastings District Council, 207 Lyndon Rd East.

Police said on Sunday they were investigating.

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.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.