Quinas: the 300-kilogram leatherback turtle rehabilitated in the Algarve and returned to the sea
The scientific study “Rehabilitation of an adult leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) after entanglement in fishing gear: a case study from southern Portugal“, recently published in Chelonian Conservation and Biology, documents the unique case of a leatherback turtle rescued off the Algarve coast, turning an intervention into a relevant contribution to scientific knowledge about this species.
The research follows the case of Quinas, an adult leatherback turtle weighing approximately 300 kilograms which, in June 2019, was found entangled in fishing gear and transferred to Zoomarine Algarve’s Porto d’Abrigo. Over 48 days, a multidisciplinary team monitored the animal’s clinical and behavioural progress on a daily basis, continuously adapting the care provided to its specific needs and observed responses
As a migratory species accustomed to living in the open ocean, all decisions were made cautiously, based on continuous observation of the animal and ongoing contact with international specialists dedicated to sea turtle conservation.
“We were called upon to assist an animal in an absolutely exceptional situation. And that is what we did. From the very first day, every decision was adapted to Quinas” clinical and behavioural progress, always in coordination with international specialists,” says João Neves, Zoomarine’s Director of Conservation.
The scientific publication aims to rigorously document the entire process, sharing the challenges, adaptations implemented and lessons learned throughout the intervention. After 48 days of rehabilitation, Quinas was fitted with a satellite transmitter and returned to the ocean. Over the following 20 days, it travelled 1,283 kilometres towards the Canary Islands, at an average of approximately 64 kilometres per day. According to the study, this movement demonstrated normal migratory behaviour, showing that the intervention had not compromised the animal’s ability to return to its natural habitat.
The authors highlight the importance of adaptations made to the facilities, clinical and behavioural monitoring, and satellite tracking following the release. The case therefore provides relevant information to support future teams faced with the challenge of rehabilitating individuals of this species.
The experience gained with Quinas is contributing to the new intervention at Porto d’Abrigo involving Molly, an adult loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) weighing approximately 120 kilograms, from Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium in Ireland. Molly is currently undergoing rehabilitation and being monitored with a view to a future return to the sea. The process is being led by the same team and using the technique applied in the Quinas case, building on the knowledge and experience gained from that intervention.
Established in 2002, Porto d’Abrigo was the first marine species rehabilitation centre in Portugal and, in collaboration with the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), has carried out more than 742 interventions up to 2025. This work includes 294 cases involving a positive response in the field – namely assistance provided without admission and strandings – as well as the admission of 448 animals for rehabilitation, many of which have been successfully returned to their natural habitat.
