Two months after rescue, Shelly returns to Maltese waters
‘Shelly’, the turtle whose life was saved by a girl has finally been released back into Maltese waters after a two month recovery with the Nature Trust.
The young turtle was caught in a plastic sack and trapped in a rock bed in a beach in Qawra.
She scrambled to break free, but the sack was keeping her tied to the rocks amid the oncoming waves.
Fortunately, it was found by 10-year-old Mira, who spotted the turtle while paddling with her family.
After freeing Shelly with a little help from some passers-by, she was handed over to the Nature Trust, who began treating her with antibiotics. Not only because of her injuries but also because of a chest infection. The incident occurred on June 1, 2022.
Now, almost two months later, the turtle has made a full recovery and is returning to its natural habitat.
Onlookers watched as the rejuvenated Loggerhead turtle made a beeline from the sandy beach and into the water, where it swam until it was out of sight.
On the same day, Nature Trust Malta announced the opening of three ITU (Intensive Treatment Unit) rooms that will be used for injured turtles. Consequence created by the garbage in the seas.
Lovin Malta spoke to Nature Trust Malta, to gather some suggestions on how everyone can contribute to its protection and safeguarding. Be sure to stay up to date on this intel by clicking here.
According to Nature Trust, it is also worth remembering not to remove any entanglements from captured turtles. If it is tight and removed, it can send blood clots into the circulation or cause bleeding if it is an open wound.
Boat owners and fishermen who find injured turtles are encouraged to report the Nature Trust on this number 9999 9505 and bring the turtle in until help arrives.
Anyone who wants to help turtles under rehabilitation or wildlife rescue can also adopt a turtle and can write to Nature Trust at [email protected]