We share news, opinion articles, scientific advances and educational information in line with the Together We Protect philosophy: conserving species and their habitats, promoting education for environmental protection and valuing actions that benefit the community.
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Zoomarine Algarve returns six juvenile sea turtles to the ocean with the support of the Portuguese Navy.
Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo returned six juvenile sea turtles of the species Caretta caretta to the ocean last Thursday, 11 June, after several months of intensive care and rehabilitation. The operation took place aboard the NRP Oríon of the Portuguese Navy, under the command of Second Lieutenant Farinha Martins, which departed from the Naval Support Point of Portimão on a joint marine conservation mission. The protagonists of this release were Xena, Xerém, Xerazade, Xénia, Xamã and Frankie, six young sea turtles…
Zoomarine takes part in international study tracking sea turtles during one of the most mysterious stages of their lives
Zoomarine Algarve participated in an international scientific study that reveals new data on the diving behaviour of juvenile sea turtles during one of the least understood phases of their life cycle: the first years spent in the open ocean. Integrated into the Lost Years Initiative, promoted by Upwell, the study “Pioneering insights into the diving behaviour of early-stage sea turtles revealed by novel marine miniaturised satellite tags” used miniaturised satellite transmitters to track sea turtles during a phase that, for…
Zoomarine Algarve welcomes a 120 kg turtle for rehabilitation and future release back into the sea at the new Porto d’Abrigo
Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo has welcomed a new specimen for care: Molly, an adult loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), weighing approximately 120kg, transferred from Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, in Ireland. Molly washed ashore on a beach in Ireland with injuries to both front flippers. As with all rescued marine animals, she became the responsibility of the Irish State and was taken in by a specialised team for recovery and monitoring, as her physical limitations raised concerns regarding her ability to return to…
Zoomarine Porto d’Abrigo rescues turtle in Sagres after surfers raise the alarm
Zoomarine's Porto d'Abrigo rescued a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) after it was found stranded among rocks by a group of surfers at Mareta beach, in Sagres. Upon the turtle's arrival at Zoomarine's Porto d'Abrigo, examinations were carried out, including an assessment of its general condition, blood tests and X-rays. The results identified signs of dehydration and possible pulmonary issues, and an appropriate treatment plan was established for its recovery. The turtle, affectionately named Xena, is recovering and progressing positively under…
Zoomarine highlights AIZA's historic record of over 15 million visitors in 2025
In 2025, the institutions belonging to the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA) surpassed the historic milestone of 15 million visitors in Spain and Portugal, a result that confirms the growing relevance of accredited zoos and aquariums as spaces for environmental education, biodiversity conservation and scientific research in an increasingly urban society. Released by AIZA, these figures reflect public recognition of a modern zoological institution model based on high standards of animal welfare, scientific rigour and social responsibility, as…
The Purpose of Zoos Has Changed
Zoos are no longer mere guardians of species, but have become active agents in transforming human values, attitudes and behaviours, playing a decisive role in building a society that values and protects nature. Gone are the days when zoos were private collections of exotic animals intended for the entertainment of elites. Throughout the 20th century, these institutions gradually transformed into centres dedicated to conservation, investing in endangered species breeding programmes, scientific research and awareness campaigns. This evolution reflected a…