Successful Release for Lucky the Sea Turtle

Dolphin Project is pleased to report that after six months of intensive rehabilitation and medical care at our Turtle Hospital, Lucky the sea turtle has finally lived up to his name and has been successfully released.

Femke Den Haas, our Indonesia Campaign Director and key member of the team at the Umah Lumba Center, explains the perilous journey which brought Lucky into our care: “The illegal trade of endangered green sea turtles for their meat continues in Bali, with traders collecting the sea turtles from poachers from other Indonesian islands. The reptiles suffer from ruthless capture methods and are often seriously injured in the process. On May 27 of this year, during a third raid of sea turtles which took place in West Bali, fifteen sea turtles were confiscated from a pickup truck on the way to Denpasar, in the southern part of the island.”

Illegal sea turtle traders are arrested, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

While fourteen of the fifteen turtles were able to be released back to the ocean after just three days of care, unfortunately, the biggest sea turtle of all, a male whom the team named “Lucky” wasn’t so fortunate. His condition was quite poor, having likely been out of the water for days, or even weeks. His injuries included severe dehydration, as well as suffering from a prolapse of his reproductive organ, the hemipene, and had to undergo three surgeries as the organ became necrotic.

Surgery is performed by Dr. Gusshofi, DVM on Lucky, Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Lucky spent six months at our Turtle Hospital, onsite at the Umah Lumba Center, where he underwent intensive rehabilitation and treatment by our experienced team of veterinarians and caregivers. Slowly, Lucky became stronger, more active and exhibited a healthy appetite. After careful evaluation, it was determined that Lucky had sufficiently recovered, and was ready to go home to the open ocean. On November 21, Lucky was brought down to the dock and amidst many happy smiles (and tears), he was successfully released.

Thank you to all those involved from the beginning of this effort: Polairud Polres Jembrana, BKSDA Bali, JAAN, and Kurma Asih Turtle Conservation Center.

Our team brings Lucky to the dock as he is prepared for release, Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

After six months of intensive rehabilitation and medical care, Lucky, an endangered green sea turtle is successfully released back into the ocean, Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Related:

Urgent Care for Confiscated Sea Turtles 

Featured image: Lucky, a confiscated endangered green sea turtle is released after six months of intensive rehabilitation and medical care, Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com