The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and The National Aquarium (TNA) have safely rescued over 500 sea turtles as part of their joint Wildlife Rescue Program, the first rescue, rehabilitation and release initiative in Abu Dhabi. The programme was launched in July 2020 and includes purpose-built laboratories, research and rehabilitation facilities at The National Aquarium. In 2022 Wildlife Rescue Program launched a first-of-its-kind rescue boat in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, and plans are underway for a first-of-its-kind wildlife ambulance, capable of providing immediate first aid on remote beaches. The programme continues to grow each year in an effort to protect and celebrate the natural treasures of the U.A.E.
In the last three years, the program has released four species of endangered sea turtles, including the Olive Ridley and Loggerhead, which are uncommon in these areas. Two whale sharks, one of which measured 7 meters long, sea birds, sea snakes and a variety of exotic animals add to the list of successful rescues.
To monitor the success of the programme, the sea turtles and whale sharks were fitted with satellite tracking devices. This allows valuable research to be conducted into their post-release wellbeing and habits as they migrate thousands of kilometres through the ocean. This data is important both in this region and globally, as many of these animals will travel the world. The programme has also grown to include the Turtle Sanctuary located at Louvre Abu Dhabi, as a last step in rehabilitating the larger turtles before their eventual release.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD said: “It is incredible how much EAD in partnership with TNA has been able to achieve so far. The prime success is how we have been able to not just rescue and rehabilitate turtles, but how we are able to release them back into their natural habitats ensuring that as a species they continue to propagate and survive. We endeavour to safeguard our biodiversity in Abu Dhabi and the Wildlife Rescue Program is a major steppingstone to achieving this goal. We are already on the right track and the programme is extremely promising for the future of other species.