Turtle Patient 234: Saimaa, Adult Female Olive Ridley
Saimaa, an adult olive ridley, was found entangled in ghost gear by guests from Six Senses Kanuhura Resort in Lhaviyani Atoll.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 03 February 2024
Patient Number: 234
Rescue Location: Lhaviyani Atoll
Reason: Found Entangled
Transport Method: Speedboat + Seaplane
Status: Deceased 28 February 2024
Species: Olive ridley
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Length: 69.2 cm
Weight: 31.8 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Saimaa has been kindly adopted by Philipp Kaiser, by Steven & Debbie Rogers, the Mayes Family and by Jonas & Tora Svensson.
Saimaa’s Story
Saimaa, which symbolises the hibiscus flower in Dhivehi, is an adult olive ridley found entangled by guests from Six Senses Kanuhura resort in Lhaviyani Atoll. They quickly alerted our sea turtle biologist María, who is stationed there.
The resort’s sustainability team coordinated with ORP’s veterinary team and quickly organised her rescue. Saimaa spent the first day with our friends at Atoll Marine Centre, located near the resort. They provided first aid while transportation was arranged for this large girl.
Once she arrived at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, Saimaa underwent a comprehensive health assessment including a physical examination, X-rays, full blood work, and a neurological exam. Saimaa suffered a partial amputation of her right front flipper and further traumatic injuries to her carapace, right hind flipper, and right eye. She is underweight, anaemic (which is likely due to the traumatic loss of her flipper), and is suffering from a serious blood infection.
Currently Saimaa is receiving medical therapy and pain management. During her first few days at the Rescue Centre, we will focus on giving her rest and stabilising her to undergo surgery in the coming week.
We are grateful to Six Senses Kanuhura for building Saimaa a custom made transport box and arranging her transfer to the seaplane, and to Transmaldivian airlines for sponsoring her travels all the way to Baa, where our Marine Turtle Rescue Centre is based.
11 February 2024
Saimaa’s surgery was successful and she is currently in recovery. Given the extent of her injuries, we anticipate a lengthy rehabilitation process, but we are committed to maximising her chances of retaining all remaining limbs through diligent care and treatment.
28 February 2024
Saimaa’s injuries started to show signs of improvement; however, her overall demeanor continued to deteriorate. She stopped feeding adequately, grew weaker, became unresponsive to therapy. Despite receiving critical care and our best efforts, she sadly passed away on February 28th 2024.
