Smaro – The first happy
Every time we receive a sick or injured turtle at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, we canʼt help but think about the time when he/she will once again live freely.
Hereʼs an example of how a parting can be a happy event:
In September 2010, the ARCHELON research team1 spotted a sea turtle in the Ambrakikos Gulf which seemed to be somewhat weak. She was easily captured, an indication that she was not healthy, and transported to the first aid station in Kopraina. Later, in Glyfada now, X-rays confirmed that she was suffering from pneumonia, and treatment was immediately started. And although she had fully recovered in a short time, she had to wait for the warmer months to be released. So, it wasnʼt at all strange that Smaro was our first released turtle for 2011.
On the afternoon of Monday, 30 May, a time of day when there wasnʼt a lot of sun or people on the beach, we saw her find her way towards the sea, and we wished her a happy trip.
Over the next months, other turtles will follow Smaro. The releases take place in mid-week, so as to avoid boat traffic in the sea. The place where each turtle is freed is chosen based on the most direct route to the open sea, and sea currents are also checked so we are sure that the turtle will be able to make it.
Translation by Joanne Stournara
1 Since 2004, ARCHELON conducts two missions a year to the Ambrakiko Gulf. The programme is led by Alan Rees, a long-time volunteer and former Scientific Director of ARCHELON. The mission mainly involves the locating and marking of turtles endemic in the Gulf.
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