Turtle with a missing flipper nurtured back to sea

Chennai:

Pallavi, a recued sea turtle with a missing flipper, got a new lease of life after it was released by marine biodiversity conservationists 3km offshore from Periya Neelankarai fishing village into the sea.

Supraja Dharini, chairperson, TREE Foundation said the turtle was released near the rock formation where a wide variety of prey fish are always found, in order to make it easy for her to feed.

The turtle was released amidst the presence of Lakshmi Narayan, Chief Wildlife Warden, Chennai, S Tyagi, Deputy Inspector General-Indian Coast Guard (East), and other important officials besides students and officials.

The female olive ridley turtle was found washed ashore on the Mahabalipuram shore with her left front flipper likely due to an entanglement in a fishing net.

The turtle was brought to TREE Foundations Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Neelankarai run with special permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu Forest Department and later taken to Tamil Nadu Veterinary College, Vepery for a thorough examination for any internal injuries. She was named ‘Pallavi’ (as she was found along the beach of the ancient Pallava Dynasty).

The team guided by Dr Jean Beasley, Topsail Turtle Rescue And Rehabilitation Centre, North Carolina and headed on site by Supraja Dharini facilitated the entire recovery over weeks. ‘Pallavi’ was fed with a variety of fresh sea food from the ocean offered by the fishing community volunteers, said Supraja. She was also nurtured by volunteers from WCC (Women’s Christian College), Roots & Shoots, Sea Turtle Protection Force members. The turtle weighed 20.5 kg, gaining 3.1 kg in weight. Its shell has has grown to 65 cms long and 64.2 cms wide, said Supraja.

The Chief Wildlife Warden  said that sustained conservation has resulted in successful species conservation. He vowed support for such NGO’s who are involved in conservation of sea turtles and other marine mammals. “Helping this species is not only protecting a part of our environment but also helping the health of the oceans that we rely on for the fishing trade and to help keep our waters clean,” he said.