Following the rescue from Xlendi just before Christmas of the loggerhead turtle – Ralph – Vet, Dr Grupetta has now successfully performed two operations.
The Wildlife Rescue Team, a branch of Nature Trust – FEE Malta, explained that Ralph had a boat hit, causing a V-shaped fracture to the carapace, as well as fishing line looped around his neck
Because of this, it had lost a lot of blood, the Team said. Furthermore, it had ingested a hook which is located in the stomach.
“Although very weak, the operations were a success. Ralph is now in the tank under medication,” it added.
The Wildlife Rescue Team expressed its thanks to all divers and volunteers in the rescue operation, thanks to Vets – Dr A Gruppetta and Dr Mauro Buttigieg.
Ralph had been spotted over a number days in Xlendi Bay, Gozo, and knowing it needed help, the turtle, was finally picked up just before Christmas.
“The rescue was a very delicate operation due to the rough seas, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the sterling collaboration between the Wildlife Rescue Team Gozo section and our Gozo nest volunteers (who kept a constant watch for her overnight from 8pm), as well as divers from Bubbles Dive Centre and divers from Ritual Dive, who went in separately and then finally managed to bring up the turtle,” the Wildlife Rescue Team said.
The Team said that donations are always welcome and can be sent by bank transfer or Revolut transfer on Wildlife IBAN MT18 VALL 2201 3000 0000 4002 353 8289, Swift code VALLMTMT.
The Wildlife Rehab Project is supported by the ERA – Environment & Resources Authority and Lottoland Malta.
The Team wished all their followers a “Happy and Prosperous New Year.”
Photos: The Wildlife Rescue Team, a branch of Nature Trust – FEE Malta showing Ralph before and after the operation