Two Months After Her Rescue, ‘Shelly’ The Baby Turtle Returns To Maltese Waters
‘Shelly’, the turtle whose life was saved by a young girl has finally been released back into Maltese waters after a two-month recovery with Nature Trust.
The young turtle had been trapped in a plastic sack and caught in a bed of rocks at a beach in Qawra.
She scrambled to get free, but the sack was keeping her tied to the rocks amid the oncoming waves.
Luckily, she was found by 10-year-old Mira, who spotted the turtle whilst out on a paddle boat with her family.
After freeing Shelly with a little help from some passers-by, she was handed over to Nature Trust, who began treating her with antibiotics. Not only because of her injuries but also because of a chest infection. The incident took place on 1st June 2022.
Now, almost two months later, the turtle has made a full recovery and returns to her natural habitat.
Onlookers watched as the rejuvenated Loggerhead turtle made a beeline from the sandy bay and into the water, where she swam till she was no longer in sight.
On the same day, Nature Trust Malta announced the opening of three ITU (Intensive Treatment Unit) chambers that will be used for wounded turtles. A consequence wrought by litter in the seas.
Lovin Malta spoke with Nature Trust Malta, to gather some tips on how everyone can contribute to their protection and safeguarding. Be sure to get yourselves up to date on this intel by clicking here.
According to Nature Trust, it is also worth remembering not to remove any entanglement from trapped turtles. If it’s tight and removed, it could send blood clots in the circulation or cause bleeding if it’s an open wound.
Boat owners and fishermen finding injured turtles are urged to report to Nature Trust on this number 9999 9505 and bring the turtle in until help arrives.
Anyone who wants to help turtles under rehab or wildlife rescues can also adopt a turtle and can write to Nature Trust at [email protected]