Following a call to the Nature Trust Malta Wildlife Rescue Line last Thursday, a beautiful loggerhead turtle was rescued by members of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in Xghajra before being handed over to Nature Trust - FEE Malta volunteers.

According to a Facebook post by Nature Trust, the heroic rescue was carried out in very difficult conditions thanks to the rough seas and strong winds that engulfed the islands last week. Despite the trying circumstances, the turtle, which was found entangled in marine debris, was successfully retrieved.

It was found that the turtle, now affectionately named Steph after its rescuer, had ingested part of the lines and its left flipper was also caught in the lines. And after being operated on by veterinary surgeon Dr Anthony Gruppetta, we’re pleased to learn that her flipper was freed with no major lesions, and the ingested lines were successfully removed!

Steph the turtle will now be rehabilitated by Nature Trust Malta - NTM before her release back into the sea.

Spot an animal in need of assistance? Call Nature Trust Malta Wildlife Rescue Line (9999 9505)