The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project returned 23 turtles to the wild on June 12, marking another milestone. The release, held just ahead of World Sea Turtle Day on June 16, included 22 green turtles and one hawksbill turtle that had undergone rehabilitation before being returned to their natural habitat.
Among the turtles released was Foxy, a green sea turtle missing one of her front flippers. After spending 17 months in recovery, Foxy was finally strong enough to begin her journey back into the open ocean. Her release was particularly significant as she became the 100th turtle from the programme to be fitted with a satellite tracker.
The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, operated by Jumeirah in partnership with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, has rescued, rehabilitated, and released more than 2,350 sea turtles since its establishment in 2004. The latest release brought that total to 2,351.
Foxy’s Remarkable Recovery
Foxy was found off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in January 2025 with a serious injury that had left her without a front flipper. She was transported to Dubai, where veterinary teams carried out surgery and provided months of specialised care.
Her recovery was closely monitored before she was moved to rehabilitation lagoons to rebuild her strength. Now equipped with a satellite tracker, Foxy’s movements will help conservationists better understand how injured turtles adapt after returning to the wild.
Another notable release was Fatima, an adult female green turtle rescued from Abu Dhabi waters after experiencing buoyancy issues. Following months of treatment and rehabilitation, she was also returned to the ocean with a tracking device.
More Than Two Decades of Conservation
The DTRP has spent the past 22 years protecting sea turtles across the UAE. Rescued animals receive medical treatment before moving to specially designed lagoons at Jumeirah Al Naseem, where they regain strength in a natural environment.
The project also operates the UAE’s dedicated turtle rescue hotline, 800-TURTLE, allowing residents to report injured or stranded turtles. Conservationists continue to encourage the public to help protect marine ecosystems by reducing pollution and reporting wildlife in distress.
For Foxy and the other turtles released this month, the journey back to the sea represents the success of years of conservation work and a new chapter in their lives in the wild.
