Turtle Temple, Buddhist temple in Yingge District, Taiwan
Turtle Temple is a Buddhist temple in Yingge District that incorporates turtle imagery into its architectural design throughout the complex. The site contains multiple ponds where different turtle species are kept and cared for in naturalistic settings.
The temple was established to serve as a center for turtle conservation, particularly focusing on the yellow-headed temple turtle species that faced declining populations. This effort began in response to threats from habitat loss and unsustainable practices in the region.
The temple serves as a place where visitors can participate in turtle feeding, an activity that connects people to local beliefs about longevity and natural harmony. This practice reflects how the community views these animals as living symbols of endurance and spiritual balance.
Plan your visit around daylight hours, as the temple is open from sunrise to sunset with no artificial lighting throughout the grounds. If you want to feed the turtles, you will need to buy approved food from the temple itself, as outside food can harm the animals.
Each pond in the temple complex is designed with specific features to match the needs of different turtle species living there. These carefully planned habitats allow the animals to live and behave in conditions that closely mirror their natural environments.
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