Loggerhead turtle returns to Jeju sea after seven years of treatment

A loggerhead turtle rescued on Jeju in 2019 returned to the sea on October 15 following seven years of treatment. Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo reported its release that morning at Gwangchigi Beach in Seongsan, Seogwipo. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries had announced the planned release the previous day, according to Yonhap and Newsis. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 ]

The turtle was found on a Seongsan beach on August 27, 2019, with serious injuries caused by nets and fishing equipment, Yonhap reported. Its right shoulder muscles and esophagus were damaged, and it was anemic. The animal was transferred to Aqua Planet Jeju, a specialist marine-animal rescue and treatment facility, for long-term care. [ 2 ]

Veterinary treatment involved seven operations to close damaged areas and remove inflamed tissue. Yonhap and Newsis reported that the turtle also received negative-pressure treatment using specialist equipment, described as a first for a sea turtle. Inflammation in its shoulder and neck recurred several times. Its condition improved after the last operation in February removed the remaining inflamed tissue. [ 1 , 2 ]

The ministry selected Gwangchigi Beach because it was close to the original rescue location and allowed the turtle to make its own way across the sand into the sea. It decided against attaching a satellite transmitter or identification tag to minimize stress during release. The ministry thanked those involved in the animal's care and said it would continue to strengthen marine-animal protection, including rescue, treatment and return to nature. [ 1 , 2 ]