Summary
- Rescue and recovery of the Loggerhead turtle named Nuca.
- Nuca was released back into the sea after recovery at Oceanogràfic in Valencia.
- The release event was attended by local officials and biologists.
- A satellite transmitter was attached to nuca for tracking her movements.
- This conservation project is supported by the biodiversity Foundation of Spain.
Loggerhead Turtle Nuca Returns to Sea After Triumphant Recovery at Oceanogràfic Valencia
Alicante, May 8, 2025 – In a heartwarming event, the Loggerhead turtle, affectionately known as Nuca, has been successfully returned to her natural habitat after undergoing rehabilitation at the Oceanogràfic in Valencia. Found trapped in the port of Torrevieja in February, Nuca’s journey to recovery has captured the hearts of marine conservationists and local officials alike.
Circumstances of Nuca’s Rescue
Nuca was discovered in distress at the busy Torrevieja port,spending her time feeding on remnants left from fishing activities. Her rescue was undertaken by specialized divers from the Oceanogràfic Foundation, supported by local biologist Juan Antonio Pujol and members from the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja (RCNT). Upon her capture, it became clear that Nuca had significant health issues — an old injury resulted in the amputation of one of her flippers, and she had swallowed a fishing hook.
Recovery Process
once at Oceanogràfic, Nuca received immediate medical attention.Veterinary experts performed an endoscopic procedure to safely remove the hook from her esophagus, followed by an extensive treatment plan that enabled her recovery. Over the months, Nuca gradually improved, demonstrating a positive evolution that led to her recent release.
release Event
The release took place from a boat in the waters near Torrevieja, with notable attendees including the mayor Eduardo Dolón, environmental councilor Antonio Vidal, and the president of RCNT, Carlos Carmona. mayor Dolón expressed his gratitude to the Oceanogràfic team for their diligent work in Nuca’s rehabilitation and shared hopes of her returning to the Torrevieja coast to nest in the future.
Tracking Nuca’s Journey
Before her release, a satellite transmitter was fitted to Nuca, which will allow researchers to monitor her movements in real-time. this tracking initiative aims to gather valuable data on her behavior post-rehabilitation, supporting further conservation strategies for the species.
Support for Conservation Efforts
This successful recovery project has garnered support from the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge as part of the Recovery, Conversion, and Resilience Plan funded by the European Union’s Next Generation funds. Through collaborative efforts, conservationists aim not onyl to help individual marine creatures like Nuca but also to contribute to the broader protection of endangered species.
conclusion
The journey of Nuca highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts as well as the vital role community and governmental support play in the rehabilitation of injured wildlife. As she swims freely in the Mediterranean waters, there’s hope that Nuca will thrive and continue to inspire future conservation initiatives.