The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

(Image credit: Ahram)

After being rescued and treated for a week, a turtle returns to its natural habitat in the Mediterranean Sea. According to Ahram, the turtle was first found on display at a seafood restaurant in Cairo, and it was released on Sunday from a beach near Sinai University in North Sinai’s Al Arish city.

General Director of Environmental Affairs, Gamal Helmy, was joined by President of Sinai University, Hatem El Bolok, as well as Dental Professor of Sinai University, Abdelrahman Mekkawy, and a group of rescuers, to witness the turtle’s release into the waters.

According to Akhbar El Yom, Professor Mekkawy said that the turtle was suffering from several breaks in its front fin and lower back shell. It was placed in a special tank for rehabilitation and treatment, since it was also infected with pneumonia that prevented it from diving.

He also added that the turtle weighed 52 kg, and its shell’s length measured 78 cm, while its width measured 67 cm.

According to Al Bawabh News, Professor El Bolok stated that the Mediterranean houses three main types of turtles; the green sea turtle, the big-headed turtle and the leatherback sea turtle. The first two types are threatened by extinction due to illegal hunting and by beach visitors’ bad habits.

Take a look at the rescued turtle below:

(Via Youm7)

(Via Youm7)

(Via Youm7)

(Via Youm7)

(Via Youm7)

(Via Youm7)