Fuerteventura celebrated World Sea Turtle Day with new turtle release
In celebration of World Sea Turtle Day, observed annually on June 16th, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura has released a Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) on Gran Tarajal beach. The event was attended by fourth-grade students from CEIP Cristóbal García Blairzy, a primary school in the municipality of Tuineje.
This particular turtle was admitted to the Morro Jable Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Center in March after being found entangled in marine debris. The entanglement had caused severe injuries to its left rear flipper, resulting in advanced necrosis. A concerned citizen discovered the injured turtle on Tebeto beach in La Oliva and promptly reported it, allowing for its rescue and subsequent rehabilitation. After a successful recovery, the turtle, now weighing 2.15 kilograms, was released back into the wild on Thursday.
The release event featured the participation of Carlos Rodríguez, the Environmental Counselor, as part of the environmental education initiative 'Back Home,' which is included in the 'Know to Protect' program by the Environmental Department. Other notable attendees included Waste Management Counselor Enrique Pérez, Industry Counselor Lolina Negrín, and Tuineje's Environmental Councilor Evelyn Ávila.
The Environmental Department emphasizes the crucial role of citizen cooperation in preserving marine species. In cases where injured wildlife is found, it is essential to notify the emergency services at 112 to activate the appropriate response protocol. This collaborative effort is vital for the protection and conservation of vulnerable species like the Caretta caretta.
