Poppy 

juvenile Hawksbill turtle (RB.EI.019), admitted 03-Mar-17, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Weight / length: 3.4kg / 30.9cm (on admission); 4.1kg / 33.5cm (on release in April 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.

Poppy (along with Julie, Susy, Bones and Max) successfully made it to our centre at Kuda Huraa, where they are now receiving treatment. This patient was one of the lucky ones, and was admitted with only superficial wounds including flipper bites and shallow abrasions across her flippers. She is now receiving fluid therapy to hydrate her and provide some much needed energy, however we are very encouraged by initial behavior as she is comfortably able to dive to the bottom of her new pool. Poppy will be able to go back into the wild once she shows she is consistently able to dive and has reached a healthy weight for her size.

16 April 2016

It was a special Easter Sunday this year ! After 45 days of care and rehabilitation at our Centre, we were able to release Poppy back to her ocean home.
After a 40 minute boat ride to our snorkeling site at Makunudhoo, the time had finally come. Our guests were cheering and once in the water Poppy did not hesitate; she swam straight towards the reef, tucking herself underneath a piece of coral before starting to explore her new surroundings. Best wishes for the future, Poppy!