This morning, the sea turtle Donatello, a Caretta caretta, was released back into the sea on the beach of Punta Umbría (Huelva), after spending several weeks recovering at the Seville Aquarium. The event, part of the conservation program SOS Caretta: Fishermen for Biodiversity, brought together project representatives, technical staff, numerous families, and a group of people from the Resurrección Association and Rumbo Fijo Association, with the support of Foredunes.
“Today highlights the importance of collaboration with the Andalusian fishing sector for the conservation of these endangered species,” said Patricio Peñalver, head of the SOS Caretta project. “Thanks to the fishermen, we can also bring these animals closer to the public, as they symbolize the urgent need to protect our oceans.”
Donatello was rescued on June 20, 2024, by the vessel Hermanos Brito Aponte, from the Santo Cristo del Mar Fishermen’s Guild of Punta Umbría, after being found with an injured flipper. The turtle was initially taken to the CEGMA in Algeciras, where she received her first veterinary care, and later transferred to the Seville Aquarium, where she continued her recovery and completed the muscle rehabilitation process.
“The case of Donatello is an example of the importance of quick and coordinated actions to rescue sea turtles,” explained Alejandra Cerezo, veterinarian at the CEGMA in Algeciras. “The most rewarding part of our work as marine wildlife veterinarians is seeing these animals return to their natural habitat.”
Thanks to the INDALO project by the Regional Government of Andalusia, Donatello has been fitted with a satellite transmitter that will allow researchers to track her migration and gather key data on the movements and habits of this species in the Gulf of Cádiz and the Atlantic.
During the event, attendees —including many children— had the chance to learn about Donatello’s story and the importance of protecting the marine environment. The educational activity, organized by the Seville Aquarium, emphasized the value of environmental awareness, especially among the youngest participants.
According to Rocío Alcázar, manager of the Seville Aquarium, ““Donatello represents the ongoing work carried out by conservation centers to help these animals return to the sea. It’s a day of celebration and commitment to biodiversity.” “.
The project SOS Caretta: Fishermen for Biodiversity, coordinated by the Hombre y Territorio Association, is supported by the Regional Ministry of Sustainability and Environment of the Andalusian Government and involves the collaboration of over 20 entities, including environmental, fishing, and port authorities, fishermen’s guilds, local councils, the MOEVE Foundation, the Seashore veterinary team, and conservation organizations such as Foredunes. The Seville Aquarium has been involved in the project since its launch, serving as a recovery and rehabilitation center for sea turtles.
To date, 70 Caretta caretta sea turtles have been rescued thanks to the active involvement of the Andalusian fishing sector. Of these, 11 were rescued by the Punta Umbría Fishermen’s Guild, which once again demonstrated its commitment to the conservation of marine biodiversity today.
The Seville Aquarium reminds the public that if anyone finds an injured, entangled, or stranded sea turtle, or spots signs of nesting on the beach, they should immediately contact 112, the emergency number that activates rescue and conservation protocols.