ZAMBOANGA CITY—A Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) that was rescued after being found entangled in a nylon rope has been successfully released back into its natural habitat at the Great Sta. Cruz Island Protected Landscape and Seascape on February 11, 2025.
The endangered sub-adult female turtle, measuring 50 cm in curved carapace length and 47 cm in width, was discovered along the beach of Great Sta. Cruz Island on January 24, 2025. Although active and healthy, the turtle sustained injuries on its fore-flipper due to the entanglement. Responding swiftly, the Local Government Unit – Protected Area Management Unit (LGU-PAMU) turned over the turtle to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Zamboanga City, which facilitated its treatment and rehabilitation at the Hatchery and Wet Laboratory of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZCSMST).
Veterinarians from the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) provided medical care, ensuring the turtle’s recovery over an 18-day period. Once deemed fit for release, the turtle was tagged with marine turtle tag number PH 0682 I to monitor its conservation journey before being returned to the sea.
The release was spearheaded by CENRO Zamboanga City, through its Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit, in collaboration with Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. John Dalipe, OCVet veterinarians, and the 2nd ZCMFC Seaborne.
Green Sea Turtles are classified as endangered and are protected under Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09. Conservation efforts, such as this rescue and rehabilitation, highlight the ongoing commitment to safeguarding marine wildlife and their habitats.
