7 sea turtles were returned to nature ► Watch

(haipo) - With the encouragement of a large and excited crowd, 7 sea turtles were released into the wild at the Dor Bonim Nature Reserve, after being treated and rehabilitated at the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center.

Home - to the open sea

An exciting and unusual moment was recorded today (Mon. 15/8/22) at the Dor Hobonim Nature Reserve, when seven sea turtles, who underwent treatment and rehabilitation at the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center of the Nature and Parks Authority, were returned to nature, to the open sea, with cheers and great enthusiasm from the visitors of the reserve.

◄Exciting moments - the turtles return home to the sea

Six of the turtles that were returned to the wild today arrived at the rescue center in the winter months of January-March, and another turtle arrived in May. All seven turtles are mature brown sea turtles, of which six are females and one male named "Itzik". All of them were collected after being dumped on the beaches in the northern region, Hoof Bonim up to Caesarea.

◄ Dr. Yaniv Levy, Director of RTG's Sea Turtle Rescue Center: "Great fun"

Long recovery

The turtles were found by employees of the Nature and Parks Authority or by passers-by who reported to the Nature and Parks Authority hotline number 3639 and made sure that they arrived for treatment at the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center. All the turtles underwent strict medical examinations and dedicated care by the team of caregivers and volunteers of the rescue center, and even a CT diagnosis at the "Kal Chai" veterinary clinic in Rehovot by Dr. Tzachi Eisenberg, who accompanies the rescue center on a voluntary basis. All seven turtles were diagnosed as suffering from head injuries, which were caused by marine explosions whose origin is not yet known, and caused damage to the soft tissues of the turtles (such as lungs and ears). After a long rehabilitation ranging from 3-7 months, depending on the severity of the injury, the turtles underwent a repeat CT scan and were found to be healthy and ready to be released back to the sea.

Be alert for turtles

The Nature and Parks Authority asks the general public to be alert for sea turtles that wash ashore or float in the sea and to report it immediately to the authority's call center numbered 3639. In these cases, the turtle must be left with the turtle until the arrival of a volunteer/authority inspector or according to the instructions of the call center or the authority inspector to bring the turtle to the national rescue center To the sea turtles after the report.

If the turtle is entangled in waste, Do not remove the waste and do not release the turtle back into the sea. The turtle must be brought to the rescue center for treatment with the waste as it is.

Have you encountered a turtle? Stay near him and contact: 3639