Five Rescued Sea Turtles Released Back Into the Mediterranean Sea
Five rehabilitated sea turtles were released back into the Mediterranean Sea at Beit Yanai National Park following successful treatment at the national rescue center.
A new year brings a fresh start not just for people, but for sea turtles as well. Five rescued sea turtles were released back into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday at the Beit Yanai National Park, following successful rehabilitation at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority's National Sea Turtle Rescue Center.
The Nature and Parks Authority reported that approximately 50,000 visitors toured nature reserves and national parks during the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Among the prominent sites were the Dor Habonim Beach Nature Reserve, Ashkelon National Park, Ein Hemed National Park, and Yarkon Tel Afek National Park. Additionally, around 2,600 campers chose to spend Rosh Hashanah eve at the authority's campgrounds, with HaGoshrim and Achziv leading in popularity.
About 250 people, mostly families with children, gathered at Beit Yanai to witness the emotional release of Miriam, Chapa, Matzav, Ran, and Nidal as they returned to their natural habitat.
The five turtles spent the past few months at the rescue center receiving veterinary care after being found with severe limb injuries caused by entanglement in plastic bags. Following their full recovery, four of the younger turtles were released near the shoreline to allow for a quick return to the water.
Authorities noted a recent rise in reports of sea turtles washing ashore entangled in plastic waste. However, officials warned the public against a dangerous practice: many finders attempt to remove the plastic strings themselves before returning the turtles to the sea.
The Nature and Parks Authority emphasized that anyone who finds an injured or dead sea turtle should immediately call the hotline at *3639. Citizens are strictly instructed not to remove strings or debris from the animal themselves, but rather to bring the turtle along with the plastic entanglement to the rescue center for professional veterinary care.
