Olive Ridley sea turtle rescued and released after successful surgery in Chennai

In a heartening example of coordinated wildlife conservation efforts, an injured Olive Ridley sea turtle was rescued, treated and safely released back into the sea in Chennai after a barbed fishing hook was found lodged in her mouth.

The turtle was rescued following swift intervention by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, which coordinated closely with the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD) to ensure immediate medical attention. The injury, caused by a barbed fishing hook, posed a serious threat to the turtle’s survival and required careful surgical intervention.

Supriya Sahu, IAS shared the moving story on her official X handle.

A specialised veterinary team led by Dr. Sridhar from Vandalur Zoo successfully performed the operation to remove the hook. The procedure was carried out with precision, ensuring minimal stress and injury to the turtle. Veterinarians said the surgery was crucial, as such hooks can cause severe infection and prevent turtles from feeding.

Following the successful surgery, the turtle was fitted with a satellite transmitter to help monitor her movements and gather valuable data on migration patterns and post-release survival. This step is expected to aid ongoing research and conservation efforts for the endangered species.

After a period of recovery, the Olive Ridley was released back into the ocean, marking a successful conclusion to the rescue operation. Forest officials and veterinary experts hailed the effort as a model of inter-agency collaboration and dedication to wildlife protection.

Also Read: Olive Ridley turtles GPS-tagged at Rushikulya in Ganjam to track migration

The rescue underscores the importance of prompt reporting of injured marine animals and highlights the growing role of scientific monitoring in protecting endangered species like the Olive Ridley sea turtle, which frequently nests along India’s eastern coastline.