Pepa returns to the sea in Benalmádena: the loggerhead turtle rescued twice gets another chance in the Mediterranean

Pepa is back in the Mediterranean. The young loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has been released once again, this time from La Morera beach in Benalmádena, after completing a second period of observation and veterinary checks.

Her story has had several chapters. First, she was found stranded and in poor condition on a beach in Rincón de la Victoria. Then came months of treatment, gradual recovery and a first release off the coast of Marbella. But just one day later, she was spotted near the shore and rescued again by swimmers.

Now, after further checks confirmed she was fit to return to the wild, Pepa has been given another chance to continue her life at sea.

It all began on a beach in Rincón de la Victoria

Pepa’s story began on 4 March 2026, when she was found stranded in Rincón de la Victoria.

The juvenile loggerhead turtle weighed around 4.3 kilos and had a shell measuring approximately 43 centimetres. She was severely dehydrated, showed little response to stimuli and had buoyancy problems.

After initial assistance, the turtle was transferred to the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Centre (CEGMA) in Algeciras, where her rehabilitation began.

During the first weeks, intensive care was required. As Pepa was not eating on her own, specialists temporarily had to feed her with the help of a tube.

Her condition gradually improved.

By the end of March, she had started feeding voluntarily and eventually gained weight to around 5.9 kilos. She was also treated for a superficial injury to her shell.

From rehabilitation centre to aquarium

Before returning Pepa to the sea, specialists wanted to make sure that her swimming and buoyancy were developing normally.

For that reason, she spent around a month at the Seville Aquarium, where she had access to a larger environment that allowed her behaviour in the water to be observed more closely.

After successfully completing the necessary checks, the moment finally arrived.

On 13 August, Pepa was released from a boat several miles off the coast of Marbella. She entered the water energetically and appeared ready to return to life in the Mediterranean.

But the story was not over.

Rescued again just one day later

On 14 August, only 24 hours after the first release, swimmers spotted a turtle floating near the coast.

It was Pepa.

Concerned about her condition, they helped recover the animal and she was taken back to the CEGMA in Algeciras for further examination.

Veterinary teams carried out X-rays, blood tests and new assessments of her swimming and buoyancy. This time, however, they found no apparent health problems.

One possible explanation was much simpler: Pepa may simply have been resting or basking at the surface, behaviour that can sometimes be seen in sea turtles and may be mistaken for distress.

Even so, the second rescue gave specialists another opportunity to monitor her and confirm that she was healthy enough to return to the sea.

A second release, this time in Benalmádena

Pepa’s second return to the Mediterranean took place on 17 September.

This time, La Morera beach in Benalmádena was chosen for the release, after veterinary teams once again confirmed that the turtle was in suitable condition.

Representatives from the Andalusian regional government and Benalmádena Town Hall took part in the release alongside the professionals involved in marine wildlife conservation.

The moment also highlighted the work that takes place behind every rescue of a marine animal found injured, weakened or in difficulty along the Andalusian coast.

Dozens of loggerhead turtles have returned to the sea this year

Pepa is not the only loggerhead turtle to have gone through a rehabilitation process in Andalusia during 2026.

By the end of August, the regional government had released 35 loggerhead turtles after different rescue and recovery programmes.

Some had been found injured or suffering mobility problems, while others had been affected by accidental catches or came from nests located along the Andalusian coastline.

Before being released, veterinary teams assess their general health, weight, swimming ability, behaviour and overall physical condition.

Pepa’s story also serves as a reminder that seeing a sea turtle floating at the surface does not necessarily mean it is injured. If there is any doubt, the safest option is to avoid handling the animal and contact the appropriate wildlife services.

After two rescues, months of care and numerous veterinary checks, Pepa now has the chance to do what matters most: return to the open Mediterranean.