Shocking footage has emerged of a group of snorkellers grabbing, choking, and even kicking a helpless turtle.
The disturbing clip showed the group yanking the poor reptile by its shell.
One man could be seen clutching the creature around its neck as if strangling it.
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Another man booted the distressed animal away.
It later emerged that the man who appeared to “strangle” the turtle was actually a tour guide from a resort on the island.
He is believed to have encouraged the group’s shocking behaviour.
The grim scenes were filmed off Redang Island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia – a popular holiday hotspot.
Redang Island lies inside a protected marine park, where it’s illegal to catch or even touch marine animals, as reported by Need To Know.
The marine conservation group TRACC (Tropical Research and Conservation Centre) blasted the incident, saying: “Another incident has been brought forward to us of multiple endangered green turtles being harassed and abused in Malaysia.
“This behaviour is deeply disturbing and concerning and should never be endorsed. Reports have been made to the authorities to take action on this matter.
“Although turtles can hold their breath for long periods, they still need to surface for air because they have lungs, not gills.
“If a turtle becomes trapped underwater or cannot reach the surface, it can drown just like any other air-breathing animal.”
The organisation urged tourists to take action if they witness similar cruelty.
They said witnesses should record details such as location, time, and tour operator, and contact the authorities or a wildlife NGO.
TRACC added: “Often these incidents occur due to ignorance or going out of their way to ensure a consumer gets ‘the best experience’.
“Never accept this kind of behaviour; observation is done with your eyes, not your hands.”
One viewer, Alicia, raged: “Wild animals are not your petting zoo.
“It’s sad how many people are disconnected from the natural world.”
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