Seeing a wild animal recover and return to its natural habitat is always a moving experience, especially when it involves species that face such hardship. On this occasion, the work of the Cabildo's Wildlife Rescue Service has allowed the story of two sea turtles to have a happy ending after they endured some very difficult situations in the archipelago's waters.
This Tuesday, Guacimeta beach became the perfect setting for a very special farewell, coinciding with World Sea Turtle Day and surrounded by an atmosphere brimming with optimism. It wasn't just any release; the event served as an opportunity for local institutions and residents to join forces in support of the conservation of our marine environment.
Margarita and José: two warriors with stories of overcoming adversity
The first of the protagonists, affectionately named Margarita, had a very difficult time when she was found in early March in the El Golfo area. The animal was found entangled in a raffia sack , a material that caused her various injuries and left her in a worrying state of weakness, requiring a swift intervention by the officers.
On the other hand, José's case was perhaps a bit more shocking for those who found him on Famara beach at the end of January. This specimen was stranded, extremely thin, and had lost an eye , leading people to believe that his chances of surviving on his own were practically nil if they didn't arrive in time to help him.
A team effort that goes beyond veterinary care
Behind the moment the turtles touch the water and begin to swim lies a team of professionals who have worked tirelessly for months. The process is no walk in the park: from the initial veterinary care to their stay at the Aquatis aquarium to complete their rehabilitation , every step has been meticulously planned to ensure the animals were ready for the big day.
Samuel MartÃn, head of the Environment Department at the Lanzarote Island Council, explained during the event that each release is the result of a coordinated effort between rescuers and experts . It's not just about treating a wound, but also about providing constant follow-up so that, once free, they have the best chance of thriving in an environment that can sometimes be very challenging due to litter.
Environmental education with the youngest people on the island
The best part of the morning was seeing the faces of the children from CEIP Playa Honda, who didn't want to miss a single detail of these animals returning to the Atlantic. Involving the youngest children in the protection of such emblematic species is essential for them to understand that the sea is not a garbage dump and that every action counts in maintaining the biodiversity of our coasts.
The mayor of San Bartolomé, Isidro Pérez, was also there and remarked that areas like Playa Honda are incredibly rich in natural resources. In fact, he mentioned that not only are turtles important, but we must also be attentive to other local species, such as the nesting Kentish plover , another small treasure that we must all protect.
What to do if you come across an animal in trouble?
It's vital that we all remain vigilant in case we encounter a similar situation while strolling along the coast or sailing. Authorities have reiterated that, upon sighting injured wildlife, the best course of action is not to attempt to handle the animal ourselves, but to call 696 733 177 directly so that experts can take care of everything.
If for whatever reason you don't have that number handy, you can always call 112 or contact the Security and Emergency Consortium. The good news is that this service operates 24 hours a day , so there will always be someone on the other end of the line ready to activate the rescue protocol as soon as it's needed to save another life.
The story of Margarita and José is a perfect example of how the combined efforts of citizens, who raise the alarm, and professionals, who provide care, allow nature to win the battle. Gestures like this release remind us of the need for everyone to be aware of what is happening along our coastline so that the return of these animals to the ocean ceases to be an exception and becomes the norm, thanks to a much cleaner and safer sea.
