By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nstp.com.my
Pictures courtesy of Scuba Junkie
SEMPORNA: A green turtle was recently released from Turtle Rehabilitation Centre off Mabul island here after a four-month rehabilitation.
Nicknamed as Leonardo, it has become the ninth turtle that successfully rehabilitated in two years at the centre run by Sabah Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) and a dive operator conservation arm known as Scuba Junkie SEAS.
Prior to the release, the turtle had a healthy gain of 2 kilograms, measured and tagged before it went back into the ocean.
Last year, personnel of Tropical Research and Conservation Centre at Pom Pom island found the turtle at shallow water which it was at the state of lethargic, emaciated and covered in algae and small barnacles.
WRU director Dr Sen Nathan said the turtle was immediately moved to Mabul island for emergency treatment and rehabilitation.
“It was a great way to start 2019. It is a great example of how the government, non-governmental organisations and business(operators) can work together to protect the incredible biodiversity and wildlife of Sabah,” he said in a joint statement.
The rehabilitation programme is guided by veterinarians from WRU while the daily care at the unit is being carried out by marine biologists and staff employed by Scuba Junkie.
Meanwhile, Scuba Junkie SEAS conservation manager David McCann said over the years, they learn that caring for sick and injured animals is not an easy task.
“It was great to see Leonardo swim off and it is the ninth turtle we have been able to successfully rehabilitate in two years, and it is always a happy occasion – if a bit ‘blink and you miss it’ as they swim off.”
“We are glad to be able to work with them (WRU) to further the protection of such an iconic endangered species.”
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