Rescued sea turtle released back into Subic Bay after 3-week recovery

This female green sea turtle has recovered from its injuries and is released back into Subic Bay on Thursday (May 23) that coincides with the Wold Turtle Day. (Photo courtesy of Ocean Adventure)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A rescued female green sea turtle was released back to the ocean on Thursday (May 23) after three weeks of recovery at a rehabilitation facility inside this free port.

The sea turtle, named “Crakey,” was rescued in Morong town in nearby Bataan province by staff of the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong and was released just in time for the Wold Turtle Day.

It was suspected that the marine turtle was hit on the head since it was bleeding when they found her, and her eyes were also swollen, which was likely caused by the trauma to her head.

READ: 65 baby sea turtles freed into Subic Bay

She was brought to Ocean Adventure here and has been placed under the care of the animal care team of the theme park, where she gradually regained her strength as her injuries healed over several weeks.

Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., which operates Ocean Adventure, has been collaborating with various groups to safeguard marine life, ensure successful rescue, and provide care to distressed marine mammals.

Based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09, green sea turtles are categorized as “endangered species” or those facing a high risk of extinction due to various factors, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and the introduction of invasive species.

Green sea turtles are also one of the five species of marine turtles that can be found in the country.

However, they are the only herbivores among their counterparts.