43 Sea Turtles Released into Arabian Gulf in Abu Dhabi
On 15 October 2026, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi released 43 sea turtles at Saadiyat Beach. This group included Hawksbill hatchlings, sub-adults, and Green Sea Turtles, marking six years of successful rehabilitation efforts that have seen over 1,800 turtles returned to the wild.
On 15 October 2026, 43 sea turtles were returned to the Arabian Gulf at Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi. Organized by The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi (TNA) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the release marks a major milestone for the Wildlife Rescue Programme. The group consisted of 10 Hawksbill hatchlings, five sub-adult and adult Hawksbills, and 28 Green Sea Turtles, all of which had undergone extensive rehabilitation to prepare them for life back in their natural habitat.
This event is part of a much larger initiative. Since the Wildlife Rescue Programme began six years ago, TNA and EAD have rescued, rehabilitated, and released more than 1,800 sea turtles. These efforts are vital for the survival of the species; Hawksbill Sea Turtles are currently listed as critically endangered, while Green Sea Turtles are classified as endangered. Given the various pressures these animals face in the wild, consistent rehabilitation work remains a necessity.
According to Paul Hamilton, General Manager of TNA, the rehabilitation process is tailored to the specific needs of each animal. Every turtle arrives with its own history and requires specialized care to ensure it can thrive independently once it returns to the sea. While much of this painstaking work happens behind the scenes, the moment of release serves as a public validation of the team's commitment to marine wildlife.
The collaboration between TNA and EAD points to a broader commitment to protecting marine ecosystems across the UAE. By working together, these organizations highlight how essential partnership is to wildlife rescue. The return of these turtles to the gulf underscores the continuing need for conservation programs that safeguard both endangered species and the environments they rely on.
TNA and EAD plan to continue their mission, focusing on the many other marine animals still in need of care. The release of these 43 turtles is a significant achievement, but the work is far from over. As the team shifts its focus back to the animals currently in rehabilitation, their goal remains the same: ensuring that more sea turtles can eventually find their way back to the ocean.
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