24 endangered turtles released back into the wild after intensive rehabilitation in Dubai.
Jumeirah’s Turtle Rehabilitation Unit, together with Hatteras Collection UAE, has successfully returned 22 critically endangered Hawksbill and 2 endangered Green turtles to their natural habitat, following several months of rehabilitation.
This is the second wave of rehabilitated turtles that have been returned to the deep blue this year; last month the team were able to successfully release 20 turtles in one day, with the help of Hatteras Collection UAE.
Dubai’s only turtle rehabilitation project is a collaboration between The Wildlife Protection Office and Jumeirah’s Aquarium team, with essential veterinary support provided by Al Wasl Veterinary Clinic and laboratory work by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.
All of the turtles have received unique titanium flipper tags so that they can be easily identified if found in the future. Last year the Turtle Rehabilitation Unit released 20 turtles, including a Jumeirah-sponsored, mature Green Turtle called ‘Dibba’ who was satellite tagged and travelled an amazing 8600km to the coast of Thailand. This is one of the longest recorded journeys of a Green Turtle and is the first example of a Green Turtle migration from the Middle East towards Eastern Asia.
Anyone finding a sick or injured turtle around the UAE should call +971 4 3017198 and leave a message for the Jumeirah Aquarium team or alternatively email baaaquarium@jumeirah.com
