Two loggerhead sea turtles, Maya and Vega, were returned to the sea in October 2024 from Portimão. This action, carried out by Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo, was supported by the Portuguese Navy and underlines the institution’s ongoing commitment to the conservation and rehabilitation of marine species.
Maya, rescued on 23 November 2023 off the coast of Ireland, arrived at Zoomarine in August 2024 after a period of rehabilitation at the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium in Ireland, due to dehydration and hypothermia. The purpose of the transfer to Zoomarine was to ensure that she could be returned to more temperate waters. After the journey and a recovery period, Maya was returned to the sea.
Vega was found off the coast of Albufeira with abnormal fluctuation and in a prostrate state. After weeks of care at Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo, where she fully recovered her diving ability, she returned to the sea.