The Board releases two sea turtles on Torremolinos beach after months of care and recovery

The Andalusian Regional Government has released Paloma and Gloria, two young loggerhead turtles that arrived in critical condition at the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Centers (CEGMA) and are now fully recovered after months of care. The release event was attended by the mayor, Margarita del Cid (PP), the regional delegate for Environment and Sustainability, José Antonio Víquez, and the councilor for Environment, Francisco Cerdán (PP). The mayor called for beachgoers to be more conscious about not leaving plastic waste on the beaches or loose nets, which pose a danger to marine life. "I hope that we find fewer turtles because there are fewer sick turtles due to human actions," stated the mayor. Paloma is a juvenile turtle that was admitted to the CEGMA in Algeciras on July 7, 2024, after being found entangled in ropes with wooden weights off the coast of Palomares (Almería). Upon arrival, she weighed 6.4 kilograms and measured 33 centimeters in total length. She had severe injuries from entanglement, as well as signs of pneumonia. After an initial phase of intensive treatment, the last period of her recovery took place at the Selwo Marina facilities, where she was able to complete her muscle development and undergo observation to confirm her fitness for release. Gloria was found stranded on March 30, 2025, in front of La Atunara beach in La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz). She was admitted to the CEGMA weighing 9 kilograms and measuring 40.5 centimeters in length. She presented with severe pulmonary emphysema, which prevented her from diving. Her evolution has been very positive, and she is currently in perfect health. Both specimens were treated with the collaboration of the Wildlife Analysis and Diagnosis Center (CAD) of the Andalusian Regional Government, and their recovery was made possible thanks to the joint effort of the CEGMA veterinarians, environmental technical staff, and collaborating entities such as Selwo Marina and Seashore. Professionals from these facilities help these endangered species reach maturity, as most hatchlings born in the wild die before reaching this stage. They are then released back into the sea, increasing their chances of survival and ensuring that, upon reaching adulthood, they return to our coasts to spawn.