One fin at a time, Harry returned to his native sea. Yesterday morning, on the beach of Foxi Lioni, in Tortolì, a splendid Caretta caretta returned to the sea after nearly seven months of treatment and rehabilitation. Numerous children, who witnessed the release, were also present to greet the sea turtle's return to the wild, thanks to the valuable work of CRES researchers and the Blon team from Arbatax, part of the Forestry Corps. Also present was Environment Councillor Riccardo Falchi.
Harry was rescued on January 21st from the beach of Arbatax, during the cyclone that hit the eastern coast of Sardinia. The animal was trapped in a tangle of ropes, remnants of windbreak nets, and a wooden pole about two meters long, dragged along with the material that had wrapped itself, especially around one of its front flippers.
The report triggered the protocol of the Regional Network for the Conservation of Marine Fauna in Sardinia. After being rescued by the BLON (National Marine Research Council) in Arbatax, the turtle was entrusted to researchers from the CNR (National Research Council) in Torregrande, who transferred it to the CReS, the Sinis Recovery Center. Examinations ruled out serious injuries. A CT scan performed at the Due Mari clinic in Oristano, which has an agreement with the CReS, allowed the animal's condition to be assessed. It was immediately admitted to a tank at the San Giovanni di Sinis recovery center.
Harry, a subadult loggerhead sea turtle, has a carapace measuring 56 centimeters and weighs over 21 kilograms. During his months in hospital, he was cared for and fed, monitored for any ingested plastic, and his physiological and behavioral parameters were constantly monitored.
A long rehabilitation that concluded with his release. Yesterday, Harry finally left the beach at Foxi Lioni and resumed his journey across the Mediterranean.
