Maw

female Olive Ridley turtle (RB.LO.176), admitted 21 June 2019, Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Weight / Length: 18.0kg / 56.2cm (on admission);

Maw was found floating on the ocean surface, close to the local island Himmafushi (Kaafu Atoll) by Maldives Animal Welfare. She presented double amputation wounds on the left side, already healed from a previous entanglement. She didn’t appear to be dehydrated, but is suffering from buoyancy syndrome (floating and unable to dive).

Maw is under treatment and observation at our turtle rehabilitation centre. As soon as she starts diving and is able to rest at the bottom of her pool, she will be released back into the wild.

Updates May 2020

Maw’s favourite time of the day is breakfast and dinner! She quickly swims rush from one side of the pool to the other, to get a bite of her favourite foods.

She still suffers from turtle buoyancy syndrome, and is unable to dive down to the bottom of her pool.

Updates January 2021

This month, we transferred Maw from Kuda Huraa to our turtle rehabilitation centre at Landaa Giraavaru, where she will have larger pools to swim (including our ocean enclosure in the coming weeks). Hopefully, with more space and some inspiration from other marine creatures, she will regain her ability to dive.
Maw has already adapted to her new pool and her pool-mates; she is very energetic and always eager to eat.

February

Maw is healthy but somewhat lethargic, and is less enthusiastic about food than our other turtle patients.

April

Maw continues to be in good health; her appetite has improved, and she is learning how to interact with the variety of environmental enrichment devices (“pool toys”) we have introduced to encourage curiosity and interaction.

July

Maw showed no changes in health status this month. She has a very healthy appetite and is now interacting with all the pool enrichment devices. She enjoys her regular swims out in the lagoon and is actively trying to dive.

September