Turtle Patient 222: Faiymini, Female Adult Olive Ridley
Faiymini was found by the staff at Kuramathi Resort in Rasdhoo Atoll after a suspected shark attack. The staff at the resort rescued her and promptly called the veterinary team for assistance.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 11 November 2023
Patient Number: 222
Rescue Location: Rasdhoo Atoll
Reason: Suspected shark attack
Transport Method: Speedboat & seaplanes
Status: Released 24 November 2023
Species: Olive ridley
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Length: 67.2 cm
Weight: 35.2 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Faiymini has kindly been adopted by Stephan Setz
Faiymini’s Story
Faiymini is an adult female olive ridley sea turtle. She was rescued by staff from Kuramathi Resort in Rasdhoo Atoll after a suspected shark attack. She was transported by speed boat and seaplane to the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre on Saturday, the 11th November.
Faiymini has predation trauma to her limbs and carapace but is in overall good health. Our veterinary surgeons confirmed her sex by ultrasound as she has developing follicles. She is among the largest olive ridley sea turtle patients we have ever treated at the Rescue Centre. Faiymini is adapting well to her surroundings and the veterinary team will be giviing her intensive treatment for her wounds.
15 November 2023
Faiymini started eating a bit better and has been resting on the bottom during the evenings. However, she continues to be very agitated in her tank – we have been keeping her away from guests and covered her tank with towels to provide her some privacy.
20 November 2023
Faiymini underwent a second full health check including blood work, X-rays and wound care. Her injuries on the left hind flipper have been progressing well and she has full sensation on all four flippers – which is great news.
24 November 2023
Faiymini’s bloodwork continued to improve and her infection got under control. However, she was extremely stressed in captivity. It was very hard to handle her during treatments, which causes the risk for further trauma. She also refused to eat.
Considering this, and the fact that she is in peak follicular development, the veterinary team decided it was best to release her, even though her soft tissue injuries are not fully healed. It is very normal for females in reproductive season to fast and to be more aggressive, so her behaviour is not unexpected.
Faiymini was released off the beach at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in the early morning to provide her with as little stress as possible. It went really well; after spending a few minutes to orient herself, Faiymini disappeared into the deep blue with full use of her flippers and buoyancy control.
We hope her wounds continue to progress nicely and she is able to find her nesting grounds soon.
