Rare Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling Rescued in Dubai
Earlier this month, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) successfully rescued a loggerhead turtle hatchling, a species not typically known to nest in the Persian Gulf. The young turtle, estimated to be between seven and nine months old, was found stranded in the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary. Loggerheads are not native to this region, making the discovery particularly significant. The last recorded rescue of a loggerhead in the area dates back to 2016 in Abu Dhabi.
The rescued loggerhead turtle hatchling is currently receiving care at the aquarium of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel. Once its treatment is complete, it will be transferred to the rehabilitation sanctuary at Jumeirah Al Naseem. After a full recovery, the turtle will be released back into the sea.
Barbara Lang-Lenton, Director of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Aquarium and head of the DTRP, emphasized the importance of this rescue for marine conservation efforts in the region. She noted that while adult loggerheads occasionally visit the Persian Gulf, there has been no previous evidence of nesting or long-term habitation. The discovery of a juvenile loggerhead suggests that the species may indeed be nesting in the Gulf’s waters.
Since the beginning of 2025, the rehabilitation project has saved 103 turtles. This time of year is particularly critical for turtle rescues, as colder winter waters make the animals less active and more susceptible to illness. Rough seas often wash them ashore, leaving them stranded.
The DTRP is urging residents and visitors to report any sightings of injured or stranded turtles. If a turtle in need is found, the public is advised to carefully remove it from the water, wrap it in a damp towel (without removing any algae or organisms from its body to avoid causing harm), and contact experts via the hotline 800 TURTLE.
Since its launch in 2004, the DTRP has played a vital role in marine conservation, providing essential care to turtles before releasing them back into their natural habitat. This recent rescue highlights the ongoing importance of such initiatives in protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity in the region.
Source: Khaleej Times
