Injured sea turtle treated at Boka Aquarium

Thanks to the timely reaction of citizens who spotted an injured sea turtle in the port of Bar, the team from the Institute of Marine Biology University of Montenegro from Kotor went out into the field on Saturday, July 18th.

The injured animal was safely taken and placed in the quarantine area of ​​the Boka Aquarium in Kotor.

The Caretta caretta sea turtle was immediately examined by the team of the "Vet Port" veterinary clinic from Kotor, provided first aid and prescribed adequate therapy to stabilize its current condition.

On this occasion, the Institute of Marine Biology (IBMK) expressed its great gratitude to the "Vet Port" team, emphasizing that, "as always, they have shown exceptional professionalism and willingness to respond immediately in emergency situations to rescue marine organisms."

"The individual arrived with very serious injuries - it is missing a significant part of its shell, and the damage was most likely caused by a collision with a vessel or a propeller impact. According to the assessment, the trauma is probably several months old, and a thick layer of algae has already formed on the injured parts of the shell. Although the turtle is currently showing signs of life, its general condition is complex because it cannot currently dive due to trapped air or gases in its body (chronic buoyancy syndrome), "the Kotor Institute announced, emphasizing that the injured turtle faces a long and uncertain rehabilitation process.

"All necessary steps will be taken to help the individual and try to ensure a full recovery for return to its natural habitat. In such specific and demanding situations, regional cooperation is of key importance. We extend our great gratitude to the Pula Aquarium, whose experts from the Sea Turtle Recovery Center selflessly act as the main and first advisors, sharing their rich and long-standing experience in treating such injuries," IBMK stated.

The Institute of Marine Biology will continue to monitor the condition of this individual and has appealed to all boaters to reduce vessel speed, especially in the coastal zone, in order to avoid such serious injuries to marine animals in their ecosystem.