Turtle Patient 231: Baraboa, Juvenile Loggerhead
Baraboa is a juvenile loggerhead who was discovered afloat and circled by sharks during a dive excursion led by the staff from Deep Blue Divers, Six Senses Kanuhura in Lhaviyani Atoll.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 9 January 2024
Patient Number: 231
Rescue Location: Lhaviyani Atoll
Reason: Found Floating
Transport Method: Seaplanes
Status: Released 29 January 2024
Species: Loggerhead
Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
Sex: Unknown
Age: Juvenile
Length: 13.6 cm
Weight: 0.43 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Baraboa has been kindly adopted by Joana Fragoso and Corina.
Baraboa’s Story
Baraboa, meaning “pumpkin” in Dhivehi, is a juvenile loggerhead who was discovered afloat and circled by sharks during a dive excursion led by the staff from Deep Blue Divers, Six Senses Kanuhura in Lhaviyani Atoll. Despite having no external injuries and acceptable blood work, Baraboa’s X-rays revealed some denser material in her gastrointestinal tract, raising concerns of potential abnormalities.
The veterinary team is closely monitoring her fecal output to confirm the passage of any foreign bodies, particularly microplastics. Encouragingly, Baraboa has been independently feeding well off the bottom of her tank and displaying normal diving and foraging behaviour. If she continues to exhibit healthy behaviour in the coming days, plans are underway for her offshore release.
Baraboa marks the first rescue of the year and represents the second loggerhead sea turtle patient recorded since 2017.
29 January 2024
Baraboa has been doing really well. She is always curious about her surroundings and very gentle during feeding sessions. She has been gaining steady weight and her latest physical exam cleared her for release together with her fellows Moodhu and Vilunoo.
