The Tree Foundation released three Olive Ridley turtles which were rehabilitated by them, after they were found with injuries.
The turtles — Sara, Samudhara and Navi — were rehabilitated in the foundation’s rescue and rehabilitation centre, where they were given medical and nutritional support.
Sara, a young Olive Ridley turtle, was found dehydrated and stranded at the Periya Neelankarai beach in 2017 with her left fore flipper cut off. Samudhara, an adult female turtle, was found near the Alambarai Kuppam beach in 2017 with her front left flipper chopped off.
A juvenile Olive Ridley turtle, Navi, was found by members of the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN).
Supraja Dharini, chairperson, Tree Foundation, said: “At the rehabilitation centre, the turtles are placed in spacious salt water tanks. We plan their release during the fishing ban so that the turtles get time to adjust to the ocean with no other external threats.” The turtles were released off the coast of Periya Neelankarai on Saturday morning. G. Naga Sathish IFS, District Forest Officer, Kancheepuram, was present along with the members of the foundation for the release of the turtles.
