Off to a Busy Start at the Umah Lumba Center

We are only halfway through the first month of 2025, and yet, our dedicated team at the Umah Lumba Center in West Bali, Indonesia has responded to a number of urgent animal issues.

When this multi-purpose center was built five years ago, we had designed the facility as the first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins. However, over the years, in addition to our commitment to dolphin care, the Umah Lumba Center has served as a multi-purpose facility for a variety of programs and interventions.

“Never before have I felt so much strong synergy and collaborative support to fight wildlife crime” ~ Femke den Haas, Indonesia Campaign Director

Raid of Endangered Green Sea Turtles

Jembrana Police confiscate several endangered green sea turtles who were being transported by an illegal trader. Credit: DolphinProject.com

On January 12 in the middle of the night, 29 endangered green sea turtles which were being transported to Denpasar in a small pickup truck by an illegal trader were confiscated by the Jembrana Police. They were brought to a sea turtle hatchery near the police station in West Bali.

Our team arrived to where they were being held to treat the reptiles, and to evaluate which animals were releasable, and which were not. One of the turtles, whom we named Nero (Latin for ’strong’) was brought to the Umah Lumba Center for treatment. Similar to Lucky, a green sea turtle who was successfully confiscated and released, Nero was suffering from prolapse, a condition caused by severe dehydration.

Nero is released into our sea pen at the Umah Lumba Center after surgery. Credit: DolphinProject.com

All of the confiscated turtles were suffering from severe dehydration, with several in very poor health. Sadly, five were dead, and four were in a critical state (and not releasable). The following day, 19 turtles were released by our team, the police and conservation authorities BKSDA Bali, while four turtles remained in intensive care. On January 15, Nero underwent surgery at our Turtle Hospital by an experienced veterinary surgeon from Denpasar, and is presently in recovery. Three people were arrested, and the case is ongoing.

On January 24, 22 green sea turtles were discovered in Pemutaran with their flippers tightly bound by plastic ropes, awaiting transport for the illegal meat trade. Some turtles suffered deep wounds from the bindings, requiring stitching and wound care at our Turtle Hospital, while all were severely dehydrated.

Thankfully, one week later, these 22 confiscated sea turtles, along with Nero were safely released back into the ocean. This rescue was made possible through the collaboration of BKSDA Bali, Polres Buleleng, Polairud Polres Buleleng, Polsek Gerokgak, PSDKP, Desa Pemutaran, Banjar Dinas Pemuteran, Desa Pejarakan, Banjar Dinas Pejarakan, Satgas Lingkungan, and Bali Diving Academy.

Great news! All the rescued sea turtles have been successfully released back to the open ocean. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Songbird Confiscation

Our team provides water and care to confiscated songbirds, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

On January 13, 520 song birds were confiscated by the quarantine authorities and Flight — an organization focused on raising awareness and protecting the birds of Indonesia.

Fortunately, most of the birds were able to be released into the forest, however 25 were brought into our care as they were too young to be released and needed special nursing.

Happy Anniversary, Umah Lumba Education Center!

Congratulations and a big thank you to all as we celebrate the 4th anniversary of the Umah Lumba Education Center! Credit: DolphinProject.com

On January 12, our team held an amazing event, celebrating the 4th anniversary of the Umah Lumba Education Center. Launched in 2020, this free school uses fun and engaging methods of teaching in order that students can enjoy learning as well as gain an appreciation of the natural world. At present, 63 students come to our school to learn.

At our celebration, students received certificates and participated in performances including theater and dance. Several people from the local village attended, as well as the head of the forestry department, conservation authorities from Bali, and of course, parents of our students. Congratulations to all that attended!

Congratulations to our students at the Umah Lumba Education Center where learning is fun! Credit: DolphinProject.com

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Featured image: A big THANK YOU to our dedicated team in Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com