Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: A Turtle Saved

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

CARACAS, Apr 14 2002 (IPS) - A giant sea turtle, of the endangered species Dermochelys coriacea, was treated and returned to the ocean by specialists from the Venezuelan Environment Ministry after it was found injured earlier this month on the beach in the state of Vargas. The turtle – a female measuring 2.26 meters long, 1.38 m wide, weighing 450 kilos, and estimated to be 35 years old – may have arrived at the beach to lay eggs, as the season begins in April, said the experts.

When it was found, the turtle had a head injury that required surgery. Following a rapid recovery, the animal was liberated at sea.