Kihaa

Turtle Patient 245: Kihaa, Adult Female Olive Ridley

Turtle patient Kihaa looking through the tank at the Rescue Centre. Image.
Kihaa

Kihaa, an adult female olive ridley turtle, was discovered floating by the Water Solutions team in Dhaalu Atoll.

The Vitals

Admission Date: 21 September 2024
Patient Number: 245
Rescue Location: Dhaalu Atoll
Reason: Found Floating
Transport Method: Speedboat & Seaplane
Status: Current patient

Species: Olive ridley
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Length: 62.2 cm
Weight: 20.5 kg

The Adoptive Parents

Kihaa has been kindly adopted by Khadeeja, by Luisa, by Stefanie Jonas, by Inistina for Shadai, by Nora Stavnesli, by Erika Haussener, for Pawel, by Ashley for Stephannie and by Corina.


Kihaa’s Story

Kihaa, which in Dhivehi means a young stage of the coconut, is an adult female olive ridley turtle that was discovered floating in the waters of Dhaalu Atoll during a survey expedition by the Water Solutions team. Since the team was on a safari boat, assistance from a nearby resort was required to provide temporary housing for Kihaa and build a safe transport box, until transportation could be arranged.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort generously offered their support, and their Marine Biologist, Hazel, played a key role in organising Kihaa’s overnight stay. After two days of coordination, including a speedboat transfer and several seaplane journeys, Kihaa finally arrived at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre on September 21st.

Unfortunately, Kihaa shows signs of previous entanglement in ghost gear. She is missing her right front flipper and has suffered partial amputations of both hind flippers. In addition, she has abrasions on her carapace (top shell) and a fracture on her plastron (bottom shell).

We are carefully monitoring Kihaa as we stabilise her condition and provide critical care to treat her blood infection and anaemia.

6 October 2024
During Kihaa´s first week with us at the Rescue Centre we were closely monitoring her and working to stabilise her condition. We conducted a successful amputation surgery from which she is recovering well.

10 November 2024
Kihaa is recovering exceptionally well! The injuries on both her hind flippers, face and left front flipper have shown significant improvement thanks to the regular wound care we are administering. This care includes cleaning, the application of manuka honey and cold laser therapy sessions, all of which have shown impressive results. Kihaa has gained over 1 kg, and we’re hopeful that she will continue showing the same healthy appetite. She’s already managed to submerge herself underwater a few times, and the team is optimistic that she’ll soon be able to dive all the way to the bottom as her strength and energy continue to improve.

8 December 2024
Kihaa’s injuries have nearly healed and she is now able to rest at the bottom of the small tank. She can also occasionally submerge herself in the deeper tank. We are providing her with medical treatment, regular wound cleaning and cold laser therapy sessions. Additionally, we have started her on Targeted External Weight Training (TEWT) to assist her recovery further.

12 January 2025
Kihaa has shown significant progress this month; her injuries are almost fully healed and she is gaining weight. She is able to easily reach the bottom of the small tank and she attempts to submerge in the deeper tank. Her ongoing care includes medical therapy, regular wound cleaning, cold laser therapy sessions and we are continuing with her Targeted External Weight Training to improve her diving skills.

9 February 2025
Kihaa has been eating well, diving, and resting comfortably at the bottom of her tank. While she occasionally pauses during feeding sessions, she manages to finish most of her food each time. Given her improved diving ability, we have now discontinued her Targeted External Weight Training; however, we continue to provide regular wound care and medical therapy. We are encouraged by her steady recovery and excited about what the future holds for Kihaa.

Adopt Kihaa

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.

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