INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BUNGAROO (SALTWATER TURTLE)

In this gorgeous video, Girringun Ranger Andrew Congoo talks about why the bungaroo (saltwater turtle) means so much to Indigenous Saltwater people in Australia.

“The turtle is culturally significant to us. For the Saltwater tribes, it was a source of food. To see their numbers decline, it’s really a big problem", Andrew says.

For Andrew, caring for this culturally significant, totemic animal is a vital part of respecting Indigenous culture. "It is important for me and for all of us to look after our bungaroo. Not just for ourselves, but for our children and for future generations.”