The new month kicked off with a rescue of a turtle named Kristine, thanks to the teamwork and coordination between the Wildlife Rescue Team volunteers, ERA officials, and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).

The rescue began early in the morning when the Wildlife Rescue Team began receiving several calls reporting a turtle entangled in a net, from passengers crossing from Malta to Gozo on the ferry. The callers provided updates and helped to guide the team towards the stranded turtle.

The swift response and teamwork of the ERA officials and AFM were crucial in ensuring the turtle was safely collected. To speed up the process, the AFM brought the turtle directly to Malta, where it was promptly transported to the Xrobb l-Għaġin Wildlife Rehab Centre for immediate care.

Once at the centre, the team of veterinarians started assessing the damage caused by the entanglement. The turtle’s flipper had been caught deep in the net, resulting in swelling and descaling of the area. The vet is currently evaluating the extent of the injury to determine the most appropriate treatment.

The rescued turtle has been named Kristine in memory of one of the Wildlife Rescue Team’s younger volunteers, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago.

This successful rescue is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of all those involved in the effort to protect wildlife. If you ever spot a wild animal in distress, call the Wildlife Rescue Team on 99999505 - you could be saving a life!

Well done to everyone who helped save Kristine!