The coast of Ibiza experienced a heartwarming day thanks to the release of 32 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) back into the sea. These animals, which hatched last summer on the sand of Es Cavallet beach, were the stars of an event in the Ses Salines Natural Park, demonstrating that conservation efforts bear fruit when teamwork is key.
Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment and technicians from COFIB, these little travelers have completed a long care process. Their achievement is no small feat, as they have gone from being tiny specimens weighing barely 15 grams to becoming robust turtles that are now approaching a kilo in weight, which greatly increases their chances of surviving predators in the vast Mediterranean.
The origin of a historic sunset on the Pitiusas Islands
This whole positive development began around August 7, 2025, when a nest with no fewer than 85 eggs was detected on Cavallet beach . It was major news, as it was the first confirmed nest of that season on the island of Ibiza and the second in the entire Balearic archipelago, which immediately set in motion the protection measures to ensure nothing went wrong.
To ensure their future was not left to chance, experts decided to move the eggs to the Aula de la Mar facilities. There, under constant monitoring and artificial incubation , 38 loggerhead turtle hatchlings emerged after a 50-day wait. From that moment on, the animals were integrated into the Head Starting program, a strategy that involves carefully nurturing the turtles during their most vulnerable months so they grow strong before facing life in the wild.
A care network that spans all of Spain
The interesting thing about this story is that the baby turtles didn't just stay on the islands; they embarked on a real journey across the country. To ensure they received the best food and care, they were distributed among top-level specialized centers such as the Oceanogrà fic in Valencia, the Seville Aquarium, the CRAM in Barcelona, ​​and the Palma Aquarium Foundation, among other key locations throughout Spain.
After a few months of fattening and pampering, they all reunited in Valencia for their final veterinary check-up. Before the big day, they made one last stop at the Cap Blanc Aquarium to fully acclimate to the marine environment where they were born. It's a process that has required meticulous coordination between scientists and government agencies, resulting in a truly remarkable success rate.
The Western Mediterranean as a new refuge
It's no coincidence that we're seeing more and more nests on our beaches; it seems that climate change and rising sea temperatures are driving these turtles to seek new homes for their eggs. What was once common only in areas like Greece or Turkey is now happening right here, with nesting sightings recorded in Mallorca, Menorca, and, of course, in this part of Ibiza during the last summer.
Given this new reality, authorities have emphasized that we all must lend a hand if we see a female laying eggs or pups emerging from the sand. The most important thing is not to disturb them and to call 112 immediately so that experts can protect the area. Citizen collaboration is the best way we have to ensure that these vulnerable species continue to be part of our marine biodiversity.
The return of these turtles to the waters of the Ses Salines Natural Park marks a milestone in the protection of local wildlife, demonstrating that population reinforcement programs are vital in the face of current environmental challenges. With 32 new turtles now venturing into the sea, the hope of establishing the Balearic Islands as a safe haven for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) to reproduce is strengthened, provided that the commitment between scientific research and coastal monitoring is maintained.