This hawksbill turtle was found floating on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Opunohu, Moorea. She was unable to dive despite her numerous attempts, and was subsequently transferred to our care center.
A clinical examination revealed four perforations in her neck, likely caused by a harpoon gun, which we sutured. She also presented a secondary issue of buoyancy due to air in the lungs, which we were able to monitor through X-rays and treat accordingly.
After nearly 5 months of care and observation at the association, the air bubbles in her lungs have sufficiently resolved, allowing her to dive again when needed, and she is no longer floating.We released her yesterday in the bay of Opunohu in Moorea, where she had been rescued, from the beach of Ta’ahiamanu.
Thank you to the Direction de l’Environnement Polynésie Française.
A big thank you also to Nicolas Grilleau for these stunning photos! If you find a sick, injured, stranded or dead turtle :
Call us at 87 39 08 45 or 87 70 60 66!
We can be reached at any time to intervene and take care of these turtles
To call the RGO : 89571430
*Sea turtle rehabilitation center authorized by the Direction of the Environment of French Polynesia
Partners : Pacific Beachcomber, InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, Vilebrequin, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Tahiti, Jean-François Clervoy, Frank Lehot , Hinerava, The Brando, Tetiaroa Society, Polynésie Voyages, IFBD, Le poids du vivant , Aremiti Tahiti – Moorea, Hello Scoot, Visa 1er Secours, Suites Mana and My Turquoise Pro.
