Egypt releases Greek-tagged loggerhead turtle in Mediterranean conservation effort
The turtle, nicknamed 'Taito' and identified by the Greek tag codes L4728 and L4727, was declared to be in stable health and capable of returning to the wild, according to a statement from Egypt's Ministry of Environment. This marks the second such operation led by the Turtle Rescue Center at the Ashtoum El-Gamil Nature Reserve on Lake Manzala. The release was carried out in coordination with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency in Alexandria, the Alexandria Marine Rescue and Environment Protection Society, and the Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Greece.
Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad said the female turtle—estimated to be under 15 years of age—was first rescued and admitted to the Greek centre in May 2023 with a head injury. It was later released off the coast of Attica in October 2024 and subsequently tracked as it made its way to Egyptian waters. After being examined by local marine specialists, it was released on Saturday following confirmation of its full recovery.
Scientific measurements recorded during the process showed that Taito's shell was 63 cm long and 57 cm wide, with a total body weight of 40 kilograms. Loggerhead turtles are classified as vulnerable to extinction, making such rehabilitation and reintroduction initiatives essential to biodiversity conservation.
Fouad reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to protecting endangered marine species, stressing the importance of rapid response mechanisms and cross-border cooperation in the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles across the Mediterranean basin.
This latest release follows a similar success in February 2025, when another Greek-tagged turtle, 'Drea,' was rescued in critical condition, treated for three months at the same reserve, and then returned to the sea.
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