Be the first to comment!Noel the turtle rescued off coast of Qala after being spotted by kayakers
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On Friday, while out guiding a kayaking group at lunch time, the guides at Kayak Gozo came across a small sea turtle with fishing line coming out of its mouth and cloaca near Gebla tal-Halfa off the coast of Qala in Gozo. The turtle has been named Noel by Kayak Gozo
Nature Truest – FEE Malta – Gozo Section said that as the area is inaccessible by car, one of the guides stayed on site with the turtle, while Kayak Gozo offered to take volunteers from the NGO to the site on their boat.
Wildlife Rescue Team Malta and Nature Trust – FEE Malta – Gozo Section have expressed their sincere thanks to the staff of Kayak Gozo for their help, enabling the volunteers to collect the turtle and get it over to Malta urgently to be seen by a vet.
“It would have been a very tricky rescue due to the location, so we greatly appreciate the time and effort that they offered us to help save this animal,” the NGOs said. They added that Noel was treated by the NGO’s vet to check for the presence of a hook.
“Unfortunately it looks like the turtle had not eaten in quite a while, due to the fishing line.” they said. Project LIFE OASIS will also be noting this data as part of the project.
The NGOs thanked Gozo Channel Operations for the assistance in transporting the turtle over to Malta.
“All the animals we rescue are protected species and it is illegal in Malta to keep them as pets. Our volunteers have wildlife handling permits and training as well as equipment in order to rescue these creatures,” said the NGOs
They added that “if you spot any of the wild animals that we rescue injured or in danger, please call the Wildlife Rescue Team on 99999505.”
“A massive thank you always goes to the public who call us when they notice an animal in distress, our vets, and our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation volunteers.
The NGOs said that donations are always welcome and can be sent by bank transfer or Revolut transfer on our Wildlife IBAN MT18 VALL 2201 3000 0000 4002 353 8289 , Swift code VALLMTMT. BOV Mobile can be used on their Emergency Line 99999505.
Photos: Wildlife Rescue Team Malta and Nature Trust – FEE Malta – Gozo Section
