Turtle Conservation
Projects:
Recovery of the nesting areas of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almería.
This project is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Land Planning of the Andalusian Regional Government, the Doñana Biological Station (CSIC), and the CEGMA of Algeciras.
Currently, a pair of turtles, Chelo and Nando, are being cared for in our facilities until they reach the reproductive stage. If successful breeding is achieved, the hatchlings will be transferred for their release into the wild.
The aim of this project is to encourage sea turtles to nest once again on the coasts of Cabo de Gata and to help restore the populations of this turtle species.
Collaborating center with the Andalusian Regional Government and the CEGMA of Algeciras in the recovery of sea turtles.
At the Andalusian Marine Environment Sustainable Management Center, sea turtles that require rehabilitation for various reasons (injuries, strandings, etc.) are cared for and treated.
Once these turtles recover, they are transferred to the Sevilla Aquarium to prepare them for their return to the wild. In our facilities, we carry out the final stage of their rehabilitation: the turtles strengthen their muscles, improve their swimming abilities, and adapt through interaction with other species, thus preparing for their eventual return to the sea.
Head-starting Program for Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta).
This conservation program is carried out in collaboration with various public institutions across Spain. It involves the care of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) to help ensure the survival of these individuals in the wild.
When a sea turtle lays eggs on the beach, technicians monitor and protect the nest until the eggs hatch. Some of the hatchlings are released directly into the sea, while others are transferred to the centers collaborating in this project. There, for one year, specialists feed and care for the young turtles to strengthen them and prepare them for their release into the marine environment.
S.O.S. Caretta Program
The “S.O.S. Caretta: Fishermen for Biodiversity” project ”, led by the "Asociación Hombre y Territorio", and supported by the Andalusian Regional Government among other organizations, the project aims to promote the rescue of sea turtles by the Andalusian fishing sector in order to improve the conservation of these animals.
The turtles, rescued at sea by fishermen, are transferred to the CEGMA of Algeciras, where they receive their initial veterinary treatment. They are then moved to our aquarium, where their care continues and they complete the muscle-strengthening phase before being returned to the sea.
In addition, we serve as advisors to this program, together with other professionals with extensive experience in the recovery and conservation of sea turtles.
WE HAVE ALREADY SAVED MORE
THAN 100 SEA TURTLES
You can help save them too.
Story: “The baby turtle doesn’t use a pacifier”
At the aquarium, we want to help children take the step of giving up their pacifier, and for this reason we have created a storybook. But not just any storybook — the main character is one of the baby sea turtles that we temporarily care for.
But it is not just a story — it is also an opportunity to truly give the pacifier to the baby sea turtles, as a special box has been placed next to the turtle tank where children who wish can leave behind their treasured item.