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Abu Dhabi residents are being asked to help save sea turtles

Spot a turtle? Here’s what to do

by Time Out Editors

Abu Dhabi is home to some amazing animals, from falcons and camels to flamingos, dugong and dolphins.

One of the emirates most beloved though are the sea turtles that have been nesting in the emirates for decades.

Every year, hundreds hatch on the Abu Dhabi shoreline and make a break for the ocean.

Now, in a bid to help save more lives, the public has been asked to play a vital role in saving more young turtles.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has partnered with The National Aquarium to launch an awareness campaign for sea turtles.

When hatching, young turtles can become stranded on the shore and become ‘cold stunned’ due to the cooler weather over the winter months.

When this happens young turtles can become covered in barnacles and need treatment before being released into the wild.

The National Aquarium, located at Al Qana, is home to a turtle rehabilitation centre where the animals can be rehabilitated before being released into the ocean.

Around 300 turtles are found stranded every year in Abu Dhabi and with a little help many of these animals can be saved.

All members of the public who spot a stranded turtles are asked to call 800 555 to contact the EAD.

Once sighting are reported EAD workers can get to the scene to give treatment to stranded turtles.
For more information visit www.ead.ae.

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