A Correspondent:
Patuakhali: A rare live Olive Ridley sea turtle, weighing around 30–35 kg, has been rescued from Kua-kata beach, a popular tourist destination in Patuakhali.
Local photographer Saifur Islam spotted the turtle near DC Park on Saturday morning and informed the environmental organization Upkool Poribesh Raksha Andolan (UPRA).
After receiving the information, members of the organization quickly arrived at the scene and rescued the turtle.
Environmental activists confirmed that the rescued animal is an Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Known as the “Pacific Ridley”, this species lives in warm tropical waters around the world. Although mainly found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, it is also seen in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as vulnerable.
According to local sources, the turtle was found lying weak and exhausted near the waves early in the morning. It was later moved to a safe place. Members of UPRA provided first aid and informed the For-est Department and the upazila livestock officer.
UPRA Convener KM Bachchu said they initially believed the turtle was an adult female Olive Ridley turtle. Female turtles usually come to quiet coastal beaches during this season to lay eggs, and the turtle may have come to the Kuakata coast for that purpose.
However, he said the turtle was found in a very weak condition, which could have been caused by get-ting trapped in fishing nets, staying out of water for a long time, or swallowing plastic waste.
“We have rescued the turtle and kept it in a safe place where it is receiving first aid,” he said.
Environmental activists said the presence of the rare Olive Ridley turtle on Kuakata beach is a positive sign for coastal biodiversity. However, they stressed the need for stronger government and private initia-tives to protect such endangered wildlife.
