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 constant monitoring.

“When Xena arrived, we realised she needed immediate care. As this is a delicate process that requires daily attention and a lot of dedication from the team, seeing the positive progress of each animal reminds us why we do this work and reinforces the importance of acting quickly whenever an animal is found in distress,” says Antonieta Nunes, veterinary nurse in charge of Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo.

Once the rehabilitation team confirms that her condition is stable and compatible with life in the wild, Xena will return to the sea, completing the rehabilitation process.
Xena’s case also serves as a reminder of what should be done when you find a marine animal in distress: it is essential to remain calm, respect the animal’s space and immediately contact the relevant authorities, who are available 24 hours a day to provide guidance on the procedures to follow to ensure the animal’s welfare until the specialist team arrives.