Two loggerhead turtles were released today by Nature Trust (Malta) after being rehabilitated at the San Lucjan Centre.
The two turtles were called Duygu and Hilal and were rescued in August this year with an infection and hook injuries respectively. After being operated on by Dr. Gruppetta to remove the hook, these were medicated, feed and cared for by NTM rehabilitation volunteers.
The marine turtles were released from Gnejna Bay this morning and both turtles were microchipped for record purposes.
NTM said that it is now working with other Mediterranean rehab centres on the development of an intelligent microchip system which is being designed to keep data records of turtle movements.
All wildlife rescue volunteers are covered by a permit from the Environment Resource Authority. This year alone, 22 turtles have so far been rescued.
NTM appealed to anyone who find turtles not to pull, or cut any lines found with the turtle as this often results in further injures to the animal and may cause death. The NTM Wildlife Rescue has an emergency lime which can be called at any time – 99999505.
Members of the public can also help by adopting a turtle, with the costs of adoption going towards their rehabilitation