Four loggerhead turtles released in Fuerteventura
Cabildo of Fuerteventura, through the Department of the Environment, has carried out the release of four loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), which had been rescued and were at the Morro Jable Sea Turtle Conservation and Recovery Centre.
The return of these specimens to their natural habitat was witnessed by twenty attendees of the Puerto del Rosario Intellectual Disability Day Centre, who met at Playa Blanca to witness this exciting event.
The event was also attended by the President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Lola García, the Island Councillor for the Environment, Carlos Rodríguez, the Councillor for Social Welfare of the Government of the Canary Islands, Candelaria Delgado, and the Deputy Councillor for the area, Francisco Candil. The activity, entitled 'Back Home' is part of the Island Corporation's environmental awareness programme 'Know to Protect', with the aim of raising awareness among the population about the conservation of species.
The released specimens have undergone different recovery processes. The first one was admitted on November 7, 2023, weighing 8.8 kg. She was found stranded on Playa del Burro, in La Oliva, with malnutrition, weakness and altered buoyancy, although without visible external injuries. After being reported by a lifeguard, she has been successfully rehabilitated at the Morro Jable center.
The second turtle was admitted on January 11, 2024, weighing 4.3 kg and was found in El Matorral Bay, Puerto del Rosario, by a private individual. It showed signs of weakness and severe dehydration, but no external injuries. During its stay at the center, its health condition improved significantly, reaching a weight of 6.6 kg at the time of its release.
Likewise, the third loggerhead turtle was also rescued in El Matorral Bay, weighing 0.960 kg upon arrival on June 20, 2024. This turtle was rescued in El Matorral Bay, but, in this case, by the CECOE. It was severely cachexia, weak and dehydrated, but had no obvious injuries. After months of intensive care, it was already in optimal condition to return to the sea.
Finally, the fourth specimen, which arrived on July 13, 2024, weighed 6,550 kg and had a slight entanglement in the left front fin with a raffia material. It was reported by the CECOE in Majanicho, La Oliva, and was in good nutritional condition and active at the time of its rescue.
The island corporation appreciates the collaboration of citizens, which is essential in the preservation of this species, and it is necessary to call 112 in the event of finding injured fauna.
