The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released three critically endangered sea turtles off the coast of Boracay island in Malay town, Aklan province.
Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez of DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and Francisco Milla Jr., regional director of DENR-6, led the release of three Hawksbill turtles back into their natural habitat.
The three turtles were initially confiscated from their illegal pet owners. They were nursed back to health at the Boracay Oceanarium, before having the green card to be released.
This movement is in correlation with the start of Ocean’s Month and the end of “Love Boracay”, which is Boracay’s Sustainability Week and marks the first year of their massive rehabilitation on the island.
Back in February, more than 100 Olive Ridley hatchlings were also released off Boracay’s coast, which was initiated by the Malay local government and a major hotel.
Environmental officials and advocates are hopeful that the released turtles will find mates and reproduce, to restore their population.
Related stories:
– Endangered green sea turtles are making a comeback
– Rare and endangered turtles are at risk, after government redevelopment plans force them to relocate
– Endangered turtle returns to beach to lay eggs, but finds airport runway instead
