Take an Action, Save a Life

On May 21, our wildlife rescue team in Bali, Indonesia received a call from the conservation authorities regarding a stranded, endangered green sea turtle. Kaya, as we named her, was found in serious condition. Her breathing was severely compromised and she was very weak, unable to even lift her head.

Kaya was brought to the Turtle Hospital at the Umah Lumba Center in West Bali, Indonesia for urgent medical care. It turned out she had ingested plastic fishing ropes, which were blocking her digestive system.

Thankfully, she was able to eliminate parts of the rope, and has been moved out of intensive care and into the main sea pen. Kaya continues to receive medical care and monitoring for an infection and an inability to dive, but we are pleased with her progress to-date.

Kaya was found stranded on May 21 and brought to the Turtle Hospital at the Umah Lumba Center for urgent medical care. Credit: DolphinProject.com

With Kaya out of immediate danger, she has been moved to the main sea pen at the Umah Lumba Center for continued medical care. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Sadly, not all rescued animals have a happy ending. With countless species calling the planet’s oceans, waterways, and shorelines home, it’s crucial that we do all that we can to keep these areas free of harmful debris.

Their survival and well-being depends on it.

Beach debris can, and does kill. Together, let’s clean our parks and waterways and help keep them wildlife friendly!

How you can help

Join us for Dolphin Project’s annual Global Beach Cleanup on June 8, 2024, coinciding with World Ocean Day!

Since our first Global Beach Cleanup event in 2019, countless participants have joined at fresh and saltwater beaches across the world, dedicating their time and energy in picking up huge amounts of plastic waste.

‘Beach’ cleanups can take place anywhere. You don’t have to live along a coast to help keep our oceans clean. Every piece of plastic and debris that you clean up is one fewer item of trash that can find its way into a waterway and potentially entangle and harm marine life. And remember, turning simple behaviors into daily habits is a great way to help wildlife all year round.

Create your own cleanup event

➡️ Make a Facebook event page and email the link to rachel@dolphinproject.com so we can add it to our list.
➡️ Please confirm your event is PUBLIC (private event links cannot be shared).
➡️ Ensure your date, time, and meeting location is clearly stated.
➡️ An event banner image is available for your use, and can be emailed to you upon request.

Every piece of trash picked up is one less piece that could end up in the oceans. Credit: Gede

Learn more about our lifesaving work in Bali, Indonesia.

Featured image: Kaya continues to rehabilitate after being found with fishing gear in her intestines, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com