[E]duardo was found during a Dolphin Cruise on 15 January 2013, badly entangled in a net – he was a sub-adult male Olive Ridley turtle with a 57cm CCL (curved carapace length). Thankfully, he had not been in the net for very long (probably less than 24hrs) and had no major injuries or floatation problems. He was lifted on board the boat and cut free from the net. Back at the Marine Discovery Centre, we assessed his injuries, took measurements, and released him back onto the house reef, much to the delight of the guests who had been aboard the cruise.  Eduardo is only the second male Olive Ridley we’ve ever rescued, and the fifth turtle since the start of the Northeast monsoon (known as ‘Iruvai’ here in Maldives).

[W]e have four current residents in our Landaa Giraavaru centre: Elisa, Uno, Zahiya and Bobita, all undergoing rehabilitation and close monitoring.

Hawksbill turtle release at Kuda Huraa's Reef ClubEduardo (male Olive Ridley turtle) rescued from a 'ghost' fishing net

 

[O]n 16 January, we released Nelita, a rehabilitated Olive Ridley who had spent four months in our Centre at Kuda Huraa. Her release took place by the Sunset Lounge beach and proved to be a popular event for Resort guests. In addition, 2 reared hawksbill turtles that had grown to over 30cm SCL (straight carapace length) were released from the beach at Reef Club.

Follow some of our newly-released turtles on 2 satellite tracking maps, and read our latest updates here – (1) for Landaa Giraavaru and (2) for Kuda Huraa.