Six juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) have been released back into the wild by Zoomarine Algarve’s Porto d’Abrigo rehabilitation centre after undergoing several months of treatment and recovery.
The release took place on Thursday, 11 June, aboard the Portuguese Navy vessel NRP Oríon, approximately six nautical miles off the coast of Portimão, beyond the area of prominent fishing activity.
The turtles, Xena, Xerém, Xerazade, Xénia, Xamã and Frankie, arrived at the rehabilitation centre suffering from a range of conditions, including traumatic injuries, pulmonary disorders, malnutrition, buoyancy problems and the ingestion of marine debris. Having regained weight and the ability to survive independently, they were returned to their natural habitat.
Amongst the most notable cases was Xena, which was found stranded on the rocks at Praia da Mareta in Sagres with multiple injuries, involving exposed bone tissue and lung complications. Over four months of rehabilitation, her weight increased from 2.9kg to 4.7kg.
Xerém was discovered at Praia de São Torpes in Sines with a healed amputation of the right front flipper, intestinal issues, and evidence of plastic ingestion. Despite having only one front flipper, the turtle recovered from 870g to 1.4kg.
Xerazade was admitted to Porto d’Abrigo after being found in a weakened state at Praia do Malhão in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Severely underweight and suffering from blood abnormalities and respiratory problems, the turtle gained weight from 466g to 1.1kg during rehabilitation.
Xénia was rescued off the coast of Porches, in Lagoa, by a maritime tourism vessel. The turtle was lethargic, showed no reaction to the approaching boat, and had a heavy accumulation of algae on its shell. During recovery, her weight increased from 4.1kg to 5kg.
Xamã arrived at the centre after being found by AIMM Portugal with buoyancy issues linked to pulmonary complications. Weighing 2.4kg on admission, the turtle recovered sufficiently to be returned to the ocean.
Frankie’s journey began in Ireland, where the turtle was found in November 2025 suffering from pneumonia, dehydration, and buoyancy problems. Transferred to Porto d’Abrigo in May this year, Frankie was released into waters more suitable for the species, increasing in weight from 4.4kg to 4.7kg during his stay in Portugal.
“Every return to the ocean is a moment of immense joy for the Porto d’Abrigo team,” said Antonieta Nunes, the veterinary nurse responsible for the facility.
“We are talking about six juvenile turtles, six different stories of survival and recovery, now returning to their natural habitat with a renewed chance of life. Xena, Xerém, Xerazade, Xénia, Xamã and Frankie arrived in an extremely fragile condition, and seeing them return to the sea is also a testament to the importance of collaboration between members of the public, rehabilitation centres, the scientific community, and organisations such as the Portuguese Navy.”
Before their release, all six turtles were fitted with microchips and satellite transmitters as part of a partnership between Zoomarine and the international conservation organisation Upwell. The devices will enable researchers to monitor the animals’ migratory routes and gather valuable data on the habitats used by the species.
The operation was supported by the Portuguese Navy, marine conservation researchers, and several scientific institutions.
Since Porto d’Abrigo was established in 2002, Zoomarine has rehabilitated and returned hundreds of marine and aquatic animals to their natural environment.
Source: Barlavento
Photo credit: Zoomarine
