Turtle Patient 244: Maali, Juvenile Hawksbill
Maali is a juvenile hawksbill turtle that washed ashore at Niyama Private Island Resort in Dhaalu Atoll. She was found very weak and lethargic. The resort staff promptly rescued her and called us.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 19 June 2024
Patient Number: 244
Rescue Location: Dhaalu Atoll
Reason: Washed ashore
Transport Method: Seaplanes
Status: Released 18 June 2024
Species: Hawksbill
Scientific Name: Erytmochelys imbricata
Sex: Unknown
Age: Juvenile
Length: 40.8 cm
Weight: 5.8 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Maali has kindly been adopted by Hiok Joo Ang.
Maali’s Story
Maali spent the first night after being rescued at Niyama Private Island Resort whilst transport to the Marine Turtle Rescue in Baa Atoll was being arranged. The next morning, the resort staff quickly built a custom-made box for her safe transport to us.
We gave Maali a a comprehensive health assessment upon arrival and determined that Maali is suffering from an impaction (poor intestinal function). She is receiving medical therapy to help manage her condition, but she is still in a critical condition.
15 July 2024
Less than one month ago, Maali arrived quite lethargic and weak. After a couple of weeks on medical therapy, Maali has made astonishing progress, passing all of her impacted faeces and fully healing her eye. She has a good appetite and is very active, often swimming around her tank when not resting at the bottom. Her last physical examination was normal and so we are excited to say Maali is ready to return to her ocean home.
16 July 2024
Maali was released from the beach at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu today, and is happily back home in the sea.
