Key Facts
- A 200-kilogram sea turtle was released in Amapá on a Thursday.
- The turtle was rescued on November 14th in Pracuúba with a flipper injury.
- The animal measured 96 centimeters in carapace length.
- The release was coordinated by Ibama with support from ICMBio and PCMC.
Quick Summary
A 200-kilogram sea turtle was successfully released back into the wild in the state of Amapá following veterinary treatment. The female turtle, measuring 96 centimeters in carapace length, was originally rescued on November 14th in Pracuúba, Amapá, after being found with an injury to one of its flippers.
The release operation took place on a Thursday, close to the original rescue site. The animal received specialized care at the Center for Screening Wild Animals (Cetas/Ibama) in Macapá with support from the Project for Characterization and Monitoring of Cetaceans (PCMC). A team traveled approximately three hours from Macapá to reach the release point.
The action was coordinated by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) and supported by the Maracá-Jipioca Ecological Station and the Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
Rescue and Rehabilitation 🐢
The journey to freedom began on November 14th when the sea turtle was discovered in Pracuúba, located in the interior of Amapá. The animal was found on a small beach with a visible injury affecting one of its flippers. Recognizing the need for immediate medical attention, rescuers transported the turtle to a specialized facility.
The turtle was admitted to the Center for Screening Wild Animals (Cetas/Ibama), located in the North Zone of Macapá. During its stay, the animal received comprehensive veterinary care. The rehabilitation process was conducted under the supervision of professionals from the Project for Characterization and Monitoring of Cetaceans (PCMC), ensuring the turtle regained its strength and health before returning to the ocean.
The Release Operation 🌊
The release took place on a Thursday, marking the culmination of weeks of care and monitoring. The operation required a significant logistical effort, with the specialized team traveling approximately three hours from the state capital of Macapá to reach the designated release point. The location was chosen strategically, situated near the spot where the turtle was originally found to ensure familiarity with the environment.
The female turtle, weighing approximately 200 kilograms and measuring 96 centimeters in carapace length, was returned to the waters in good condition. The successful release ensures that this protected species can continue its life cycle in its natural habitat.
Conservation Efforts and Agencies 🏢
The successful return of the sea turtle to its habitat was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple environmental agencies. The operation was led by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), the federal agency responsible for environmental protection and enforcement.
Support for the operation was provided by two key conservation units:
- Maracá-Jipioca Ecological Station
- Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio)
Additionally, the Project for Characterization and Monitoring of Cetaceans (PCMC) played a vital role in providing the specialized veterinary support necessary for the turtle's recovery. These collaborative efforts highlight the importance of institutional cooperation in preserving Brazil's marine biodiversity.
Conclusion
The release of this 200-kilogram sea turtle represents a victory for marine conservation in the Amapá region. Through the dedicated efforts of Ibama, ICMBio, and the PCMC, an injured animal was given a second chance at life in the wild. This event serves as a testament to the ongoing work of environmental agencies in protecting endangered species and maintaining the ecological balance of Brazil's coastal regions.
