The Cabildo of Fuerteventura, through the Department of Environment, has released a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in Playa Blanca. The environmental awareness activity was attended by over 40 children aged 8 to 13 from the ‘Un Verano Canario 2026’ camp organized by Fundación Pequeño Valiente.
This release is part of the ‘De Vuelta a Casa’ project, within the ‘Conocer para Proteger’ environmental education program. It uses wildlife recovery as a tool to educate about the importance of conserving Fuerteventura's biodiversity.
The loggerhead sea turtle specimen was recovered at the Center for Recovery and Conservation of Marine Turtles of Morro Jable after suffering entanglement with marine debris. It was admitted on June 12, found in Playa Leandro (Antigua), weighing 6.8 kilograms. The rafia had caused severe injuries to one of its limbs.
Following the recovery and monitoring process by the specialized team at the center, the animal has been able to return to its natural habitat.
The event was attended by the President of the Cabildo, Lola García, and the Minister of Environment, Carlos Rodríguez. The children learned firsthand about the turtle's recovery process and the threats the species faces, such as entanglement with marine waste. The importance of public collaboration when a marine animal is found injured was also highlighted.
The President of the Cabildo, Lola García, emphasized that «each release allows us to celebrate a turtle returning to the sea after a complicated recovery, but it also reminds us of our responsibility to care for our oceans. Furthermore, this moment with the children from Pequeño Valiente has special value, as environmental education is a fundamental tool for building a society more committed to our environment».
The Minister of Environment, Carlos Rodríguez, pointed out that «this turtle's story demonstrates the consequences that waste in the sea can have. That's why it's so important for young people to learn about these threats and understand that our actions have a direct impact on marine wildlife».
The Cabildo reminds the public that if a stranded, injured, or distressed sea turtle is found, the animal should not be handled. It is essential to call 112 so that the care protocol can be activated and ensure its transfer to a specialized center. The releases of recovered specimens are part of the awareness actions of the ‘Conocer para Proteger’ program.
