Turtle Patient 250: Vindhu, Adult Male Olive Ridley
Vindhu was discovered entangled in a ghost net by the Nakai Dive Centre team from Maayafushi Resort in North Ari Atoll, following a report from a guest during a dive excursion.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 13 April 2025
Patient Number: 250
Rescue Location: North Ari Atoll
Reason: Found Entangled
Transport Method: Seaplane
Status: Current patient
Species: Olive ridley
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
Sex: Male
Age: Adult
Length: 64 cm
Weight: 21.6 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Vindhu has kindly been adopted by Alexandra, by Sabrina and by Peter Knowles.
Vindhu’s Story
Vindhu was discovered entangled in a ghost net by a guest from Maayafushi Resort during a dive excursion. The Nakai Dive Centre team came to the rescue and attempted to release him back into the ocean. However, Vindhu was unable to dive and remained buoyant at the surface. Federico, a member of the dive team, promptly contacted our veterinary hotline.
In response, we coordinated a seaplane transfer with the support of Trans Maldivian Airways to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, where our Marine Turtle Rescue Centre is located, for further treatment and rehabilitation.
We conducted a thorough clinical assessment and identified ligature wounds on both his front flippers. In addition, he is suffering from buoyancy syndrome, which prevents him from diving to rest and feed. We are giving Vindhu around-the-clock care: fluids, medication, wound treatment, and laser therapy. While he’s showing signs of improvement, he still has a long road ahead.
Adopt Vindhu
When you symbolically adopt one of our turtle patients you will receive:
- A personalised digital adoption certificate with the history of your adopted turtle patient
- A fact sheet about the species of sea turtle you have adopted
- Updates on how your adopted turtle’s recovery is going (if you wish)
- Your name featured on our website (if you wish)
- Notification in the case of a release
We ask for a minimum single donation of £50 to adopt a turtle patient. £50 will contribute to the cost of medical therapy for one patient for two weeks. You can also choose to make a monthly donation of your choice.
Please allow 7 days for the issuing of the certificate. Also note that we do not contact gift recipients directly.
By adopting one of our turtle patients you will contribute towards the cost of our patients’ veterinary care, medications, and transport. You will also help fund our core charitable objectives to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue & conservation medicine, clinical & scientific research, and education & outreach.
