One Turtle’s Story – Coco

Quick Facts

Rescued: December 10, 2022
Status: Released

Update 12/28/23: A little over a year since Coco, an endangered female green sea turtle was found suffering from severe head wounds, we are delighted to report that today, with her health restored, she was released back into the open waters of West Bali! Over the past 12 months, the young turtle was meticulously nursed back to health, from being hand fed to regaining the ability to eat on her own. A big THANK YOU to the dedicated team at the Umah Lumba Turtle Hospital!

Background: On December 10, 2022 an endangered female green sea turtle (species: Chelonia mydas) was found with severe wounds to her head on Lovina Beach, on the north coast of Bali.

Dolphin Project’s team in Indonesia transported the weakened turtle to the Umah Lumba Turtle Hospital in West Bali (onsite at the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center – the first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins), where our veterinary team assessed her injuries. The injuries were consistent with a boat propellor strike. Given the extent of her head injury (her head was nearly cut in half), her prognosis was poor.

Coco’s head injury was horrific and her prognosis, poor. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Coco’s injuries are treated by veterinarian Dr. Hewan, Umah Lumba Turtle Hospital, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: David Bristow

Our team did not give up, providing round-the-clock care and feedings to Coco, as the turtle has now been named. Slowly, she began to heal, but the rehabilitation process for an injured turtle takes time, and their recovery, a slow process.

Eight months later, Coco continues to rehabilitate. Her beak wound is still healing, and unfortunately, the width of her remaining beak does not allow her to eat by herself, as yet. Patience is needed to see if this will change and whether her skin can completely regenerate. Until then, we will continue to feed her twice daily. We are hopeful Coco will regain her ability to eat on her own – she is still a juvenile and can enjoy a long life!

Coco is lowered into the water at the Umah Lumba Turtle Hospital, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

About the Species

Did you know ➡️

Green sea turtles are the largest hard-shelled sea turtles.
Their lifespan is 70 years or more. Females reach maturity between 25-35 years of age.
Every two to five years, they undertake reproductive migrations, returning to nest in the general vicinity where they hatched.
They are unique amongst sea turtles as they are herbivores, eating mostly sea grasses and algae.
Their diet is what gives them their green color (not their shells).

*Source: NOAA Fisheries