Turtle Patient 253: Theen, Juvenile Olive Ridley
Theen, a juvenile olive ridley sea turtle, was found entangled in a ghost net by a snorkel guide during an excursion in Baa Atoll. After being released from the net, Theen was unable to dive, so she was retrieved and transferred to our Marine Turtle Rescue Centre for urgent medical care.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 22 May 2025
Patient Number: 253
Rescue Location: Baa Atoll
Reason: Found Entangled
Transport Method: Speedboat
Status: Current patient
Species: Olive ridley
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
Sex: Unknown
Age: Juvenile
Length: 44.5 cm
Weight: 10.4 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Theen has yet to be adopted, will you be the first one?
Theen’s Story
Theen is an olive ridley sea turtle who was found by a local guide during a snorkelling trip near Goidhoo island in Baa Atoll, Maldives. He spotted ghost nets floating in the water and, upon inspection, discovered a sea turtle entangled within them. He attempted to release her immediately, but she was unable to dive. He then contacted our veterinary team over our emergency hotline.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort, at which our Marine Turtle Rescue Centre is located, kindly arranged a boat to retrieve the injured sea turtle. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, they were unable to collect Theen that same day. She was cared for overnight on the nearby island of Fulhadhoo, in Baa Atoll. The following day, our team transported her by speedboat to the Rescue Centre.
A comprehensive health assessment revealed ligature injuries on both of Theen´s front flippers and several external wounds to her head. She is also suffering anaemia and Buoyancy Syndrome – when a sea turtle is unable to dive and is left floating on the surface, this is a dangerous condition as they cannot feed, rest or evade predators. Our team is now closely monitoring her condition.
Adopt Theen
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.
