Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency releases 214 rehabilitated turtles into their natural habitat.

Abu Dhabi Releases Rehabilitated Turtles Back into the Wild

In celebration of the Year of Sustainability, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has teamed up with The National Aquarium (TNA) and Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center (YSWRRC) to release a group of green, hawksbill, and loggerhead rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitats at the beach on Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. The National Aquarium managed the rehabilitation of 200 turtles, while YSWRRC rehabilitated a group of 14 hawksbill turtles.

The first release of the turtles occurred on June 6, 2024, with the presence of key figures such as Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and other distinguished guests from various organizations. A second release took place on June 8, 2024, open to the general public at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas with engaging activities for attendees.

These releases mark the successful culmination of the rescue and rehabilitation efforts carried out by EAD in partnership with The National Aquarium and YSWRRC. Over 1,000 turtles have been rescued since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The National Aquarium in 2020, and another MoU with YSWRRC in 2023 resulted in the rescue of 23 turtles.

Dr. Al Dhaheri expressed her excitement at the annual event, highlighting the importance of preserving marine species for future generations. She thanked the public, volunteers, and partners for their support in the rescue and rehabilitation process, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining a stable and thriving turtle population in Abu Dhabi waters.

Fouad Mashal, President and Vice Chairman of Al Barakah Holding, commended the efforts of The National Aquarium in successfully releasing the 1,000th turtle back into the wild, symbolizing a significant milestone in their conservation work. Thomas Kaferle, General Manager of SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, emphasized their dedication to marine research and conservation, aiming to create a sustainable future for marine life.

EAD has been actively involved in researching, monitoring, and protecting marine turtles in Abu Dhabi since 1999, ensuring the stability of the turtle population in the region. The agency remains vigilant in rescuing and rehabilitating turtles affected by conditions such as cold stunning, which can weaken the animals and hinder their ability to survive in their natural habitat.

The release of these rehabilitated turtles underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable marine ecosystems, paving the way for a brighter future for these magnificent creatures.