This Turtle, which Had Plastics in its Intestine, Regains its Strength after Being Injured by a Ship’s Keel
The sea turtle (Caretta caretta) that appeared stranded on August 17, 2017, on Alcaidesa beach, near the La Línea de la Concepción lighthouse, with a very serious injury to its shell, is recovering in the waters of the Seville Aquarium while waiting to be returned to the sea.
The animal was spotted by some bathers and lifeguards who alerted 112, the emergency service that deployed the corresponding rescue team and took it to the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Center (Cegma) in Algeciras, run by the Junta de Andalucía. According to veterinarian Carolina Fernández, the animal arrived very weak with a deep and clean cut caused by a ship’s keel. Despite this, the recovery process of this juvenile specimen was quick thanks to the care provided at the center, even though it had several plastics of different composition and size in its intestine.
The official body finally decided to entrust its full recovery to the Seville Aquarium, where it was admitted at the end of last July weighing 25 kilos. In the turtle recovery tank, at the end of the tour, the turtle can now be seen alongside other species, already healed and regaining its natural weight and strengthening its muscles.
According to its caretakers, it is a calm turtle that coexists perfectly with other species and has adapted perfectly to the new facilities. It eats regularly a diet based on small squid, hake, anchovies, shrimp, and mussels.
The date of this turtle’s return to the sea will depend on its evolution in the coming months. It will be carried out at the discretion of the center’s veterinarian and when suitable weather conditions are present.
This is the second time that the Seville Aquarium collaborates with the Junta de Andalucía and the CEGMA of Algeciras in the marine turtle recovery project, thus reinforcing its work in protecting threatened species.