Sandie

juvenile Olive Ridley turtle (RB.LO.140), admitted 28 August 2018, Angsana Velavaru, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

Weight / Length: 3.7 kg / 31.6 cm (upon admission);

Sandie is a juvenile Olive Ridley turtle that was found entangled in a large ghost net, snagged on the house reef at Angsana Velavaru (Dhaalu Atoll). The team at Angsana wanted to be sure she was OK, so brought her to shore for examination, where she was found to have small injuries on her front flippers, head and mouth. However, upon release back into the ocean Sandie was unable to dive below the water surface (buoyancy syndrome). She was sent to our turtle rehabilitation centre on 28 August for treatment.

Sandie juvenile Olive Ridley turtle RB.LO.140 (13)

Sandie juvenile Olive Ridley turtle RB.LO.140 (15)

Sandie juvenile Olive Ridley turtle - team rescue (1)

Sandie juvenile Olive Ridley turtle - team rescue (2)

September 2018 Our turtle biologist Ale at our Kuda Huraa rescue and care centre, debriding dead tissue from Sandie before applying ointment.

Sandie [L] and Snoopy [R], comparing relative sizes

Sandie [L] and Snoopy [R], comparing facial scutes

26 September 2018 – Release Day !

Sandie was released at sunset today. She made her way down the beach into the lagoon, and quickly swam out to sea.
Bon voyage, little one. 🙂 Wishing you a long and happy life.