Koamas

Koamas is a juvenile olive ridley sea turtle who was first found struggling to dive near Dhuvaafaru island in October 2025. Her rescuers were on a dolphin cruise when they spotted her, and immediately reached out to our sea turtle biologist based at the nearby JOALI BEING resort, Raa Atoll. Our sea turtle biologists from Raa and North Malé Atolls then came together with our Malé team and Trans Maldivian Airlines to organise her transfer to our Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, Baa Atoll.

After her intake physical exam and initial diagnostics, we discovered an extensive lung injury and anemia (low red blood cell count). Koamas has been quite active since her arrival, and has a good appetite, both of which are good signs. We will tailor her treatment plan and allow her the space and time to heal.

Fun fact: Koamas (ކޯމަސް) means “Dolphin” in Dhivehi, the dolphin her rescuers didn’t know they were looking for.

7 December 2025
Koamas has made significant progress during her first month in our care. When she first arrived, we identified lung injuries that caused buoyancy issues and a tilt to her left side. To support her recovery, we started her on Targeted External Weight Therapy, which she has adapted to very well over the past few weeks. She is also receiving medical treatment for an infection, along with regular check-ups so we can closely monitor her health and recovery. We are still hand feeding Koamas with tongs as we want her to regain her strength gradually, but the good news is that Koamas has an excellent appetite and always finishes her food during feeding sessions!

11 January 2026
Koamas continues to show steady progress in her recovery journey. Recently, we noticed changes in the air trapped within her body, so we readjusted her Targeted External Weight Therapy to better suit her current condition. This fine-tuning supports more normal diving behaviour as her body continues to heal. The good news is that Koamas has a healthy appetite! She finishes her meals during most feeding sessions, which is a really positive sign of her overall condition. She’s still receiving medication for an internal infection, and we’re continuing to monitor her closely with regular check-ups to track her progress.

8 February 2026
Koamas has made steady strides over the last month. The Targeted External Weight Therapy we’ve been using to help her balance in the water is definitely having an effect – she’s much more stable than before. The exciting news is that Koamas has started buoy training, and she’s doing really well. These exercises help her learn to manage her buoyancy and develop the muscles she needs for normal diving. Best of all, Koamas has a fantastic appetite and is full of energy – always a great sign that a sea turtle is feeling good despite their challenges. With her positive attitude, continued training, and our team’s careful monitoring, we’re optimistic that Koamas will regain her natural diving abilities. She’s certainly putting in the effort!

10 March 2026
We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that Koamas is ready to go home! After five months of dedicated care and treatment, she has made a full and remarkable recovery. Her latest blood tests came back with stable, healthy values, her infection has completely cleared, and she has finished her course of medication. We have stopped her Targeted External Weight Therapy as she is diving confidently and independently, feeding and resting comfortably on the bottom of her tank — all the signs of a strong, healthy sea turtle ready for life back in the ocean. Following her most recent veterinary assessment, we have cleared her for release. Koamas will be returning to the ocean this Saturday the 14th of March, from the beach at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. It will be an incredibly special moment for our whole team after everything she has been through, as she begins the next chapter of her journey.