Confiscated Sea Turtles Successfully Released

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Confiscated sea turtles medically evaluated and treated prior to release, Bali, Indonesia

21Nov

Blog, Campaigns, Indonesia | Posts by : Cara Sands

At the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center in West Bali, Indonesia, our fast response team is ready to offer medical treatment and rehabilitation to a number of species that require urgent care.

While initially established to rehabilitate formerly performing dolphins, the center has expanded into a multi-use facility which now includes an on-site turtle hospital. With our team on-the-ground able to respond to calls of injured and/or distressed turtles, and a center where endangered and critically endangered species can receive lifesaving medical care, we are proud to report that many patients have recovered and been released into their native waters.

Confiscated sea turtles medically evaluated and treated prior to release, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Confiscated sea turtle medically evaluated and treated prior to release, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Releasing a previously-confiscated sea turtle back to the ocean, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Just a few days ago, on November 19, 2023, 19 green sea turtles were confiscated by Polres Jembrana. The youngest was approximately eight years of age, while the eldest appeared to be around 50 years old. Sadly, for food and cultural reasons, this species has routinely been the target of illegal sales and trading. The methods of their capture are brutal, with the animals often maimed as they are bound and confined.

Luckily for these turtles, our team was quickly able to evaluate the reptiles, and establish that all could be safely released back to the ocean. We are grateful for our collaboration with BKSDA Bali and Polres Jembrana, and for the opportunity to help keep wildlife wild!