A young loggerhead sea turtle is back in the Mediterranean, swimming freely after her recovery at the Santa Pola Aquarium. Her release off Varadero beach brought smiles to an audience of local schoolchildren.
Quelone: A name with meaning
The turtle’s release was witnessed by Year 6B pupils from Virgen de Loreto school. They earned the honour after winning a competition to name her. Their chosen name, Quelone, comes from the Greek word for this species.
Two months of rehabilitation
Earlier in the day, technicians from the Santa Pola Sea Museum Aquarium, together with the Oceanogràfic Foundation team, carefully removed Quelone from her tank. She had arrived in Santa Pola on 20 October, transferred from the Oceanogràfic in Valencia as part of her rehabilitation programme.
Before heading to the beach, Quelone was weighed. She tipped the scales at 3.5 kg, around 400 grams heavier than when she first arrived. This weight gain showed she was healthy after weeks of care and monitoring.
A special moment at Varadero beach
At Varadero beach, the pupils gathered to watch the long-awaited moment. The Oceanogràfic Foundation team gave a short educational talk before the release. They explained the importance of protecting marine wildlife and the role of rehabilitation centres in giving injured animals a second chance.
Placed gently on the sand, Quelone hesitated for a moment, almost as if she was saying goodbye to Santa Pola. Then she made her way across the beach and slipped into the sea, heading into the open Mediterranean and a new chapter of life.
A wider conservation effort
The release is part of a wider collaboration between the Oceanogràfic Foundation and the Santa Pola Sea Museum. The partnership, formalised last year, focuses on marine conservation, scientific research, school education, public outreach, and the rescue and protection of marine species.
The Oceanogràfic Foundation provides scientific expertise and technical knowledge. The Santa Pola Sea Museum focuses on education and raising awareness. Together, they connect the local community with the region’s rich marine heritage.
Looking ahead
The work continues. The Aquarium is due to receive another loggerhead turtle from the Oceanogràfic soon. After a similar two-month recovery, that turtle will return to Santa Pola Bay, following in Quelone’s flipper prints.
