ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 16) — An adult Olive Ridley turtle was released back into the waters off Great Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City last week after more than four months of rehabilitation at a marine hatchery.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Zamboanga Peninsula (DENR) said the female turtle, tagged PH0251M and PH0252M, was released in coordination with the city government and the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company.
The turtle, which measured 59 centimeters in carapace length, 58 centimeters in width, and weighed 20 kilograms upon rescue, was found floating near the shore of Sitio Layag-Layag in Talon-Talon village. It was turned over to the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit of Community Environment and Natural Resources Office – Zamboanga City.
X-ray results revealed a fishhook lodged inside its body, which likely caused its weakened condition. Under the care of specialists from Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) and veterinarians from Office of the City Veterinarian – Zamboanga City, the turtle received fluids, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and regular feeding until it regained strength.
After gaining six kilograms and exhibiting normal feeding and diving behavior, the turtle was declared fit for release.
The DENR credited the successful recovery to the collaboration of ZSCMST, the Office of the City Veterinarian, Biodiversity Management Bureau, and Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines.
