Amputee turtle returns to the sea
A rehabilitated loggerhead turtle has been released back into the sea at Playa Bastián, Costa Teguise, after months of specialist care by Lanzarote’s Wildlife Rescue Service, part of the Cabildo’s Department of the Environment.
The animal was found in March between Las Caletas/Cocoteros and Charco del Palo with injuries to both front flippers and its rear left flipper.
Following a diagnosis, treatment, and surgery at a veterinary clinic, the turtle’s damaged rear left flipper was amputated. It then completed its recovery at the aquarium in Costa Teguise before being returned to its natural habitat on Friday.
The environmental councillor, Samuel Martín, said the turtle had successfully passed all veterinary checks and was fit to return to the wild. “We still have nine other turtles in recovery,” he added, stressing that these releases not only help threatened species but also raise public awareness about protecting the marine environment around Lanzarote.
From January to May 2025, the Wildlife Rescue Service attended 120 animals from 30 different species, around 90% of them resident or migratory birds. The tally included 13 loggerhead turtles and one native lagarto tizón lizard. Of all the animals treated, 46 have already been returned to nature, while 19 remain in adapted facilities recovering ahead of a future release.
The Cabildo reminds anyone who encounters an injured wild animal to call 696 733 177 so the rescue team can collect it and provide appropriate care.
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