Zi

female Olive Ridley turtle, admitted 4 April 2025, North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Zi is a female Olive Ridley sea turtle who was admitted to our rehabilitation centre on 4 April. She had been found entangled in ghost netting, close to the Fari Islands in North Malé Atoll. Upon arrival, it was immediately apparent that her front left flipper had to be amputated due to a complete humerus fracture, deep ligature wounds, and significant tissue loss. Ligature wounds were also present on all remaining flippers. Her back left limb showed a hairline fracture on the tibia and a complete fracture of the fibula. Initial treatments have included antibiotics, debridement, and laser therapy.

Zi initially refused food for two weeks, but her appetite has improved, and she now retrieves food from the bottom of the tank. She is swimming actively, using her back left flipper frequently, and resting calmly. Wound treatments will continue.

May Updates

This month, Zi continues to make impressive progress. The amputation site on her front left flipper is healing well, and the lacerations on her front right flipper are also improving. Our main focus remains her back left flipper, which suffered a hairline tibia fracture and a complete fibula break. With daily care including debridement, antibiotics, and laser therapy, the wounds are healing, and she’s using the flipper actively, a strong sign of recovery.
Zi’s behavior is encouraging; she alternates between active swimming and resting in her cave. Although she initially refused food and lost some weight, she’s now eating from the bottom of the tank and moving well despite her missing flipper. We’ve increased her food intake and will continue treatment to prepare her for a return to the ocean.

June

Zi’s back left flipper is now looking much healthier and she is using it a lot. She is spending most of her time resting at the bottom of the tank or actively swimming. This behavior is very encouraging. If the wounds continue to heal and she continues to gain weight, she will soon be ready to go back to the ocean.

July

Zi’s health continues to improve. All her injuries are almost fully healed with new and healthy tissue. She has also gained weight and is spending most of her time at the bottom of the tank or swimming across it. We are hopeful that she will soon be deemed ready for release into the ocean.

9 August 2025 … release day!

This month, we had the privilege of releasing Zi back into the ocean. The satellite tag was attached and we sent her on her way. It was
a triumphant return, as she marked the monumental milestone of being our 100th turtle to be released! It was an emotional celebration, and we are happy to say that she is already on her way towards Sri Lanka already. Her progress will be monitored, so check in next month to see where she ends up next!