Rescued turtle set free on Fuerteventura’s shores
A young loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has been released back into the sea at Playa Blanca, Puerto del Rosario, after being rescued and rehabilitated as part of Fuerteventura’s environmental education programme, Conocer para Proteger (“Know How To Protect”).
The turtle was originally found on 13th June by a fisherman off the coast of Corralejo, in the municipality of La Oliva. It was suffering from dehydration and injuries caused by entanglement in fishing gear, affecting its right front and rear flippers as well as its neck. Bits of fishing rope were also stuck in its mouth, which were successfully removed during treatment.
After being transferred to the Morro Jable Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Centre, the animal underwent weeks of care before regaining full health. Now weighing 5.5 kilograms, it was returned to the ocean under the supervision of the island’s Department of the Environment, led by councillor Carlos Rodríguez.
The release was attended by members of the Chimayache Mountaineering Club from Tenerife, who normally organise hiking activities on their home island but travelled to Fuerteventura to take part in this special event.
Rodríguez emphasised the crucial role of public cooperation in protecting marine wildlife. He urged anyone who finds an injured or distressed animal to immediately contact the emergency services on 112, ensuring rapid intervention and giving rescued species the best chance of survival.
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