Just thought we'd give you an update on the latest regarding the sea turtle strandings and other news from Akazul.
Sadly, despite the super trooper efforts of the individuals involved in rescuing and tending to the sick sea turtles- the last remaining survivors died on Saturday 21st May. Tissue samples were taken during necropsies from several turtles and have been sent for analysis in Hawaii. Thanks to Arcas for arranging the permits.
It has been an amazing effort by those involved during this crisis and writing from my desk in the UK I feel that several people deserve a special mention. Firstly, my fellow Akazul team mates Scott and Sarah have really been exceptional in responding to this incident and have, I feel, done Akazul proud in showing the rest of the world who we are and what we do.
Sarah tending to one of the turtlesAlice Lee has been a rock during all of this and has selflessly been there in the thick of things making such a massive contribution to sea turtle conservation.
Alice feeding one of the strandingsAkazul's efforts have been in collaboration with Protortugas who instigated and joined us during at sea monitoring, provided materials and veterinary assistance throughout this time.
Scott and ProtortugasThanks also to Arcas for letting us use their facilities in Parque Hawaii to tend to sick turtles.
There are also many individuals around the world, and also in the local communities near Parque Hawaii, who responded to our call for help and expertise, many thanks to all these people.
It seems for the time being that the strandings have ceased and now we are really just waiting for analysis from the tissue samples to find out what is responsible for causing this huge impact on the olive ridley population. We will let you know as soon as we have news on this.
From barnacle experts to Guatemalan Breakfast TV viewers- lots of positive response has come from what was a bad situation, and we will focus on these positives to push forwards our work. Please check again for the latest.
Saludos!
Akazul
Please follow the link to see the article published by Wildlife Extra
and thanks also to rachel brittain, whose constant support and expertise kept us sane during the busiest moments. big ups to her and the protortugas team for developing a protocol for medical care and necropsies for this emergency.
ReplyDelete