Bones 

juvenile Olive Ridley turtle (RB.LO.106), admitted 03-Mar-17, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Length: 34.5cm (on admission, March 2017); 34.8cm (on release, May 2017).
Weight: 4.9kg (on admission, March 2017); 6.3kg (on release, May 2017). 

This turtle was found floating on 2 March 2017, entangled in a fishing net along with FIVE other turtles (four Olive Ridleys and one juvenile Hawksbill).

This group of animals were incredible lucky to have been found when they were. Thanks to the staff at Dhigufaru Resort (Noonu Atoll) these turtles were freed from the mass of ghost netting and marine debris that was wound tightly around them. It is very hard to determine how long they had been floating, however most of the rescued individuals had suffered major wounds and were in desperate need of medical attention.

Due to the severity of the injuries and overall body condition of the turtles, none of the individuals were able to be released on site. Whilst transport to our facility was organized they were held overnight on a local island, unfortunately the largest Olive Ridley succumbed to his wounds during this first 24 hours of recovery.

Bones (along with Julie, Susy, Max and Poppy) successfully made it to our centre at Kuda Huraa, where they are now receiving treatment. The most traumatic wound this juvenile Olive Ridley suffered is the complete amputation of her front right flipper. Unfortunately, these types of wounds are not uncommon and it must be very traumatic. This damage has left the bone completely exposed, which will require surgery in the near future. Bones will be in our care until his wounds are healed and he is able to relearn how to swim, dive and feed for himself as an amputee.

April 2017

Bones is now being exclusively drop fed as heis able to swim to the bottom of her pool and feed for himself. Bones now spends very little time on the surface and has returned to a healthy weight for his size. He will be eligible for release next month.

May 2017

Bones made a full recovery, with his RFF amputation healing fully and cleanly. He dived with ease and needed no assistance during feeding.
On 22 May, Bones was released at our back reef (Velaa Faru) and despite his amputation, he quickly swam away into the deep blue.