Last Thursday, June 11, Zoomarine returned to the sea six juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) after several months of intensive care and rehabilitation.
The marine reptiles, named Xena, Xerém, Xerazade, Xénia, Xamã, and Frankie, arrived at Porto d’Abrigo, the rehabilitation center of the Algarve zoological institution, with various health problems, including traumatic injuries, pulmonary alterations, malnutrition, and ingestion of debris.
Five of the turtles were found along the Portuguese coast and one along the coast of Ireland. The former arrived at Porto d’Abrigo in debilitated condition requiring specialized veterinary care, while the other was transferred to Portugal to take part in this moment of return to the sea.
In a statement, it is announced that during the rehabilitation process the animals regained weight, body condition, and survival ability, re-acquiring all clinical conditions to return to the ocean.
The release operation took place aboard the NRP Oríon of the Portuguese Navy, commanded by Second Lieutenant Farinha Martins, who departed from the Portimão Naval Support Point for a joint marine conservation mission.
The release was carried out about 6 nautical miles from the coast of Portimão, outside the zone of greatest fishing effort, increasing the animals’ chances of survival upon their return to their natural habitat.
Stories of resilience
Among the protagonists of this story, Zoomarine highlights Xena for the “impressive evolution” after being found stranded on the rocks at Praia da Mareta, in Sagres, with multiple bodily injuries, exposed bones, and lung problems. Over four months of rehabilitation, she went from 2.9 kilograms (kg) to 4.7 kg and “fully recovered” her physical condition.
Xerém, found at Praia de São Torpes, in Sines, arrived at Porto d’Abrigo with a healed amputation of the right forelimb, blood alterations, intestinal problems, and signs of ingesting small plastic fragments, details Zoomarine. Despite having only a front flipper, she “demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for adaptation,” increasing her weight from 870 grams to 1.4 kg during the recovery process.
Xerazade, found debilitated at Praia do Malhão, in Vila Nova de Milfontes, presented with a very reduced body condition, significant blood alterations, and respiratory problems. Thanks to the care provided by the Porto d’Abrigo team, she recovered from 466 grams to 1.1 kg, meeting all conditions to return to the ocean.
Xénia was found by a maritime-tourist vessel, “Captain Nemo,” off Porches, in Lagoa, prostrate, floating unresponsive to the boat’s approach and with a large accumulation of algae on its shell. On arrival, she showed dehydration and inflammation of the digestive tract. During rehabilitation, she went from 4.1 kg to 5 kg, and the shell length increased from 30.3 cm to 31.2 cm.
Xamã, found by AIMM Portugal (Association for Marine Research), arrived prostrate with buoyancy problems, associated with lung issues, according to Zoomarine. With 2.4 kg and 25 centimeters of shell length at entry to the rehabilitation center, “their name symbolizes resilience and the capacity for recovery of an animal deeply connected to nature, which overcame adversities and returns strengthened to the ocean,” says the institution.
Lastly, Frankie was found on November 28, 2025 in Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland, and entered Dingle Oceanworld dehydrated, with symptoms of pneumonia and buoyancy problems. It was transferred to Porto d’Abrigo on May 16, 2026, so that it could be released in warmer waters more suitable to the species.
During its stay at Porto d’Abrigo, Frankie progressed from 4.4 kg to 4.7 kg and the shell length increased from 28.3 cm to 30.1 cm.
“New life opportunities”
Before returning to the sea, microchips were placed in the six turtles’ front flippers, allowing their identification and future monitoring should they be observed again.
Under the partnership established between Zoomarine and the international organization Upwell, ultralight satellite transmitters were also installed on the shells of the turtles released into the ocean.
These devices allow monitoring the animals’ movements via the ARGOS satellite system, collecting valuable information about their migratory routes, preferred habitats, and the environmental conditions encountered along the journey. The transmitters are attached non-invasively to the shell and were designed to detach naturally over time due to the effects of seawater, ocean currents, and the animals’ growth.
“Each release into the ocean is a moment of enormous joy for the Porto d’Abrigo team. We are talking about six juvenile turtles, six distinct stories of survival and recovery, which return now to their natural habitat with new life opportunities,” says Antonieta Nunes, veterinary nurse responsible for Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo.
“Xena, Xerém, Xerazade, Xénia, Xamã, and Frankie arrived in extremely fragile conditions, and seeing them return to the sea is also a sign of the importance of the collaborative work between citizens, rehabilitation centers, the scientific community, and entities such as the Portuguese Navy,” she adds.
For her part, Commander Conceição Dias, Commander of the Southern Maritime Zone, notes that “the success of this release results from the dedication, competence, and commitment of all professionals involved, showing that teamwork is essential to guarantee the conservation of marine species and the sustainability of the ecosystems we have the responsibility to protect for future generations.”
