Two loggerhead turtles released after nine months of rehabilitation

Two loggerhead turtles, Monster and Neil, back into the sea after spending nine months at San Lucjan Centre in Marsaxlokk for rehabilitation

Neil the turtle slowly makes its way to the open sea
Neil the turtle slowly makes its way to the open sea
Two loggerhead turtles were released into the sea
Two loggerhead turtles were released into the sea

Nature Trust (Malta) Wildlife Rescue Team this morning released two loggerhead Turtles after they had been for approximately nine months under rehabilitation at San Luċjan Centre in Marsaxlokk

Monster, a 47kg turtle had been brought in with a hook in the mouth and a nylon fishing line in its intestines.  Since the hook had been in the month for a long time an abscess had developed round the wound. On the other hand, the nylon line took almost eight months to come out after daily medication by the Volunteers of the Rehabilitation Unit of Nature Trust (Malta).

On the other hand, Neil an eight year old turtle was brought in by a fisherman who found the turtle near Hurds Bank all covered with oil and full of barnacles indicating it has been floating and not eating for a long time.  Neil spent 7 months under rehab after being de-oiled and cleaned and placed on vitamins to regain the necessary strength

The release was held at 8.30 am from the Dragunara Hotel Private Beach in St Julian’s witnessed by various VIPs such as the Ambassador of the United States of America and the wife of the British High Commissioner, together with hotel guests and adopters of these two turtles that participated in the Adopt-A-Turtle  campaign. 

The Adopt-A-Turtle Campaign is a campaign to collect funds that go towards the medication of injured turtles and also towards the Wildlife Rehabilitation Project Fund.

People may report any injured turtles or dolphins that may be spotted at sea either to MEPA or to the Nature Trust Malta wildlife Rescue Team on 99999505.