At Atoll Marine Centre, one of our four main goals is the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles. We are deeply committed to this mission, and one of the most rewarding aspects of our work is getting to release turtles that were once injured or sick back into the wild. Let me share why the feeling of releasing a turtle is truly unmatched.
All species of sea turtles are either endangered or threated, so every successful release helps revive their populations. Releasing a rehabilitated turtle into its natural habitat contributes directly to the survival of the species and ensures the health of marine ecosystems. By returning these turtles to the wild, we give them the opportunity to continue their role in maintaining the balance of marine environment.
When a turtle is first admitted to our centre, we witness the severe injuries and trauma they’ve endured. It’s heartbreaking to see them struggle—some with amputated flippers caused by ghost nets, others suffering from buoyancy syndrome, or turtles with broken carapaces and head wounds from boat strikes. However, it’s truly incredible to watch their rehabilitation journey. Over time, they overcome these challenges with the help of our incredible team, gradually improving until they make a full recovery. Finally, the moment they are released back into the ocean is a testament to their resilience and the power of dedicated care.
For us at AMC, releasing a sea turtle is an unforgettable experience. It's not just about the act itself — it's about witnessing the moment when a once-sick animal returns to its natural environment, where it belongs. The emotional connection formed between the turtle and us who have cared for it during its recovery makes the release a deeply moving experience.
Sea turtle releases often draw attention to the threats these beautiful creatures face, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution, abandoned fishing gear and many more. Public release events help raise awareness about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats. These events can also inspire people to take action, whether by supporting conservation efforts or making more sustainable lifestyle choices.
Ultimately, the process of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles represents the culmination of effort, hope, and progress. These releases offer not only a chance for the turtles to thrive but also serve as a powerful inspiration for broader environmental conservation. They connect people to the urgent need to protect wildlife and the planet. Each release is a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the shared responsibility we have to safeguard the natural world. For us, every turtle returned to the wild is a triumph of hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication to conservation. Furthermore, each turtle’s journey back into the ocean is not only a success for our centre but also a vital contribution to the global effort to protect and preserve sea turtle populations.
Speaking of releases, let's take a look at a special release we did this year, of our turtle patient Hadhiyaa.
Hadhiyaa's Release
Hadhiyaa, meaning “Gift” in Dhivehi, is an Olive Ridley sea turtle that was found entangled near the 'You & Me' resort by the Cora Cora dive team. Unfortunately, the severity of the situation led to the loss of her left front flipper, leaving a significant wound with the bone exposed. Over time, with the help of our vet and regular wound care, the stump healed well.
However, the stress that Hadhiyaa edured meant that she developed buoyancy syndrome, which is when the turtle is unable to dive. Our vet took X-rays and discovered that her lungs had tears due to hyperventiliation, causing air to escape into her body cavity which prevented her from diving below the surface of the water. Lung tissue can heal, so we had to be patient with her recovery. Initially, we fed
her using tongs. Then, we introduced enrichment activities, starting with a PVC pipe with holes, hiding her food inside. At first, she could only reach the second hole, but with time, our vet added weights to her carapace and we continued this enrichment feeding during every meal. Gradually, she progressed, reaching up to the fifth hole! During his time we also kept her tank windows covered to minimize stress and reduce human habituation.
After a while, we were thrilled to see her grab a crab underwater, diving just enough to catch it. The next day, we noticed that Hadhiyaa was cruising underwater instead of staying on the surface, which was a huge milestone. Although she remained submerged, she didn’t stay underwater for
long and it was with weights. To encourage her to
spend more time submerged, we introduced a palm leaf to her tank that she absolutely loved and encouraged her to dive underneath it, as well a new enrichment feeding method using coconut shells filled with food! This technique worked remarkably well.
We then moved her to the largest tank at our centre, and within three days, she had knocked off her weights and was able to dive freely. After some time, she was fully resting on the bottom, signaling that she was ready for release. Witnessing her transformation from struggling to reach her food to effortlessly diving was truly incredible.
Hadhiyaa arrived in February, and by November, we were overjoyed to release her back into the wild, marking a remarkable recovery in just a few months. This is one of many examples of this magical experience.
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