Davao Light releases an Olive Ridley back into the sea

GEO-TAGGING OF OLIVE RIDLEY. Davao Light and Power Company’s Community Relation’s Manager Fermin Edillon leads the geo-tagging of the rehabilitated Olive Ridley turtle before releasing it back to the sea last October 25, 2016 at the Cleanergy Park, Punta Dumalag, Davao City. The tag has a unique serial number, which allows the turtle to be easily identified in case of future stranding, nesting, or re-capture.

Last October 25, 2016, Davao Light and Power Company together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released a Pawikan known to be an Olive Ridley back into the sea at the Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

The said turtle was found by local fishermen last October 18, 2016. According to them, the turtle was closely following their fishing boat in Davao Gulf. After noticing a small dent or crack on the turtle’s shell or carapace, the fishermen decided to catch the turtle with the fear that it may get more damage while in the sea. The fishermen then quickly handed over the turtle to the Cleanergy Park through Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Community Relations Manager.

The Olive Ridley stayed for a couple of days at the Cleanergy park. Dr. Ken Lao, a veterinarian, checks and monitors the turtle to ensure it is in good condition before setting it free. After getting a clearance for its release, the turtle geo-tagged and was then released back into the wild where it truly belongs.

Aboitiz-owned outdoor biodiversity learning center, Cleanergy Park, has long been a sanctuary to sea turtles or Pawikan. Turtles found by locals around the area or within the city are usually turned over to the park and later on released back into the sea. (Ruanne May Barace)