Over 100 rehabilitated turtles released to mark World Sea Turtle Day

Over 100 turtles have been released back into their natural habitat in the UAE after being rehabilitated.

Eighty-one sea turtles were released at Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, while 15 Hawksbill and 6 Green Turtles were at Dubai's Jumeirah Al Naseem beach. 

It's to mark World Sea Turtle Day, which is observed on June 16 every year, and underscore the vital role turtles play in maintaining the balance of marine habitats and conserving critically endangered species. 

Since the Wildlife Rescue Programme was launched in the UAE capital in August 2020, 800 turtles have been rescued and 500 released.

Stranded turtles are rescued by a team of scientists from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in partnership with The National Aquarium (TNA). Their health is checked first, then investigates how the turtles were stranded. Depending on the turtle’s health diagnosis, a rehabilitation programme is initiated until they are fully recovered. Once the sea water temperatures are warm enough, they are then released back into the wild.

In a demonstration of #Dubai's ongoing commitment to marine biodiversity and ecosystems, Jumeirah Group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has released 15 Hawksbill and 6 Green Turtles, both of which are considered endangered species, from its Jumeirah Al Naseem beach.… pic.twitter.com/FbglSSYttF

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 16, 2023

Meanwhile, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has rehabilitated an incredible 1,600 turtles since its inception in 2004.

Among them was a male hawksbill turtle named Zippy, who had been discovered on the Ras al Khaimah shoreline in 2022 with many injuries including intestine impaction from eating plastic debris.

"As beach temperatures rise due to climate change, the sex ratio of sea turtles is shifting towards a higher number of females being born. The reintroduction of a fully grown male hawksbill turtle like Zippy marks a significant milestone for sea turtle conservation in the UAE and globally," said Barbara Lang-Lenton Arrizabalaga, Director of Aquarium at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

She also explained the importance of continuing the vital work of the project, adding that "with such a limited number of these turtles left, it is essential to ensure that every one of them can fulfil its role in maintaining population numbers".

In a demonstration of #Dubai's ongoing commitment to marine biodiversity and ecosystems, Jumeirah Group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has released 15 Hawksbill and 6 Green Turtles, both of which are considered endangered species, from its Jumeirah Al Naseem beach.… pic.twitter.com/m4XsaY1uo6

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 16, 2023