The rescue center collaborates with relevant units to release the sea turtles into their natural environment – photo: provided by the rescue center
Last July, the Center for the Rescue and Conservation of Wild Aquatic Species collaborated with the Khanh Hoa Provincial Fisheries Sub-Department and other agencies to release nine sea turtles into the waters of the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area in the bay. Nha Trang.
many snails and turtles were saved
In which 7 sea turtles and 2 tortoises were rescued by the center from 2017 to 2022. All of these sea turtles were marked with characters prior to release.
People who quietly care for sea turtles day and night are rescued by the reception center.
One of them is Mr Le Qui Luong (34 years old), head of the centre’s aquarium department. Mr. Luong said that in addition to the 9 turtles that were just released into the wild, the center is currently rescuing 18 sea turtles, including 10 turtles and 8 turtles. These sea turtles were received from the Environmental Police Department (PC05) of Khanh Hoa Provincial Police in late November 2022.
“When we received it, the turtles were covered with shells all over, their health was weak, they looked very sad. The brothers at the center immediately cleaned and checked their overall health to give solutions. The rescue plan was appropriate. But fortunately, none of the turtles were seriously injured, “- recalled Mr. Luong.
After the inspection was complete, 18 sea turtles were brought to an isolated area for separate care. After 9 months, all 18 turtles are now healthy and well developed, with the heaviest weighing 30 kg.
All of the above sea turtles were brought in cages to the coastal area of Hon Tre Island to gradually acclimatize them to the natural environment before being released back into the sea. Every day, the center’s staff clean the cages, feed the turtles, and dive for regular health checks.
Save sea turtles with all your heart
To successfully rescue and care for sea turtles, center staff first examine the turtles for injuries to their limbs, abdomen, back, then measure their size and weight, clean them, and check their overall health.
Tortoises that are determined to be in normal health are immediately taught to separate care, feeding, and acclimatization to the natural environment.
As for turtles in poor health, the rescue process will be more complicated and difficult. Rescuers carefully examine wounds, general hygiene, take X-rays…
Turtles in very poor health will be transferred to a special care area, fed pureed food rather than fed naturally…
“The staff working at the rescue center must be animal and marine lovers to rescue and care for sea turtles with all their heart. When turtles show signs of weak health or bad days. Unstable weather, rain or sunshine, Day or night, you have to keep an eye.
When the turtle’s health is stable and the center’s staff are trained to adapt to the natural environment, they are required to regularly check on their health, clean the cages, and bathe and clean the turtles. Must dive. Nguyen Si Tu, an employee of the rescue center, said.
“We want people to know which are endangered and rare animals to prioritize protection and which are common. Avoid hunting, using for food or other purposes” – said Tu.
Mr. Vo Khak An, deputy head of the Khanh Hoa provincial fisheries sub-department, said the unit always strictly monitors and protects, to control the situation of catching and trading rare and endangered aquatic species such as sea turtles.
“People don’t catch sea turtles intentionally, if they accidentally get caught in nets, they release them back into the sea, not bring them to shore. Because people immediately inform the authorities about it.The department took it to the rescue center in time,” said Mr.N.
According to Mr. Huynh Binh Thai, head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, the release of rare and endangered aquatic species into the natural environment is very meaningful. “When we find injured sea turtles, we need to treat them quickly, take good care of them and release them back into the natural environment as soon as possible. But it will have an impact.” Said. “- said Mr. Thai.
In the waters of Vietnam, five species of sea turtles are found, namely, turtles, tortoises, pineapple turtles, field turtles and leatherback turtles. All these species are listed in the World Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Red Book of Vietnam.
In 2015, Khanh Hoa Province approved the establishment of the Wild Aquatic Species Rescue and Conservation Center and entrusted Winwonders Nha Trang Company to manage and operate it.
(tags to translate) sea turtle
