Kenting National Park HQ releases a green turtle into the wild

There are 7-8 species of sea turtle in the world. The five species found in Taiwan are widely distributed in the world’s oceans. Three of these can be found in south Taiwan. They are, in order of occurrence: Green turtle (Chelonia mydas 綠蠵龜), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate 玳瑁) and Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta 赤蠵龜). In Taiwan, green turtles are mainly found off the east, southeast and south of Taiwan and around Orchid Island and Penghu. The number of sea turtles found in Kenting National Park is increasing, showing the effectiveness of the park’s conservation work.

An injured green turtle was delivered to Kenting National Park HQ by a member of the public on November 3. It was taken to National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium’s animal shelter where it was treated and given temporary shelter. After it recovered, it was released on the beach in Houbihu Model Marine Reserve on November 27. This is the first time in Taiwan that a sea turtle has been released by a national park. The release ceremony was conducted by park director Lin Ching. Those in attendance proclaimed their determination to “conserve marine resources” and all hoped that, one day, the released turtle will return to this sea area where conservation efforts have been a success.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Kenting National Park Headquarters