Green sea turtle released in Arish after civil society efforts

CAIRO - 30 December 2019: A green sea turtle was released into its natural habitat at a beach in Arish city, North Sinai, Monday after it had been rescued and treated by the local community and teaching staff at Sinai University.

A group of wildlife conservationists were notified of a the turtle at a fish market in Cairo, and they convinced the seller to give it to volunteer vets as the reptile seemed rather ill. The turtle was then treated for four days for pneumonia.

The volunteers traveled all the way to Arish to release the animal, where young people in Sinai University and the local community dug a large hole by the beach to observe the turtle and first ensure that it is able to live independently before the release into the Mediterranean.



The turtle before being released in Arish - Press photo

Prior to the release, a seminar was held on the importance of sea turtles and communal responsibility towards biological diversity. Many people of all ages attended the seminar and the release of the turtle, according to a statement by the Ministry of Environment, which praised the collaboration and concerted efforts to rescue the turtle.

The Ministry of Environment's hotline 19808 is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on holidays where it is unavailable after 3 p.m., to inquire about wildlife or report illegal hunting/fishing and trafficking of endangered creatures.

It can also be contacted 24/7 over Whatsapp on 01222693333.