Personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Monday rescued an Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) off Zamboanga City.
Atty. Benjan Ilahan, fishery management regulatory enforcement division chief of the BFAR regional office, said the turtle was rescued by the agency’s patrol boat near Barangay Tumalutap.
Ilahan said the male turtle, which sustained a chest injury, was 56 centimeters long and 58 cm. wide and weighed 15 kilograms.
He said the rescued turtle was placed in the care of the Office of the City Veterinarian.
“The turtle was weak. We will let it dive off Sta. Cruz Island after we remove the air in its body,” Ilahan said.
He said the Olive Ridley turtle is an endangered species.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle, also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a medium-sized species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters.