Five critically endangered turtles were returned to their natural habitat at Al Hamriya beach on Monday after being rehabilitated.
To celebrate World Turtle Day, Sharjah Museums Department released four hawksbill sea turtles and a green turtle that ranged between 5-30 years old.
The injured turtles were found by some residents and taken to Sharjah Aquarium, where they received treatment under the aquarium's rehabilitation programme that has been running for six years.
A team of marine biologists at the aquarium work on providing the relevant rehabilitation and conducting further research on the species. Once healed, the turtles are released when the time is right.
Divers survey the site before the releasing process to ensure the turtles meet suitable survival and breeding conditions. The hawksbills can last for 80-100 years if they live in the right environment.
Next year the turtle’s movements will be tracked and their egg laying patterns analysed to better understand their suitable environment.
The hawksbill, named for its narrow head and hawk-like beak, has suffered an 80 per cent global loss of population in three generations despite international prohibition of hunting and trading.
Held under the museum's initiative "Because We Care," the release was attended by ministry of environment and several government officials, as well as fishermen and students.
The release is one of other initiatives held under "Because we Care" including beach clean ups and efforts to provide museum learning experiences to children with disabilities. (Khaleej Times)
PHOTO: A turtle being released into the waters at Al Hamriya Beach in Sharjah on World Turtle Day on Monday.
CREDIT: M.Sajjad.
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