On April 17, a concerned citizen, Mr. Wang, discovered a sea turtle trapped at the old aquaculture pond in Magang Fishing Harbor, Gongliao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Upon receiving the report, the New Taipei City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office collaborated with the Taiwan Cetacean Society to respond promptly. The trapped turtle was identified as a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), a first-class protected wild species in Taiwan.
Following the initial discovery, a joint rescue team including the Coast Guard Administration and the Marine Conservation Administration was formed. On May 2, during a suitable low tide in the spring tide period, the rescue operation was successfully carried out. Six professional divers from the Animal Protection Office, led by Secretary-General Zeng Zhengcong of the Taiwan Cetacean Society, freed the turtle within 20 minutes and transported it to the New Taipei City Marine Conservation Education Park for care.
Director Yang Shufang of the Animal Protection Office explained that the turtle had been trapped for several days without encountering a high tide, showing signs of long-term fasting and weakened physical condition. Initial assessments showed the turtle's carapace was covered with algae, and it had a suspected wound or large barnacle attachment near its head. Blood tests indicated elevated white blood cell counts, likely due to infection and poor health, but other indicators were within normal ranges. The turtle is currently under continuous observation and care, with plans for release once fully recovered.
The release was arranged on May 17 at the beach near Jinshan Old Street, where the turtle was returned to its natural habitat. Green sea turtles, named for the greenish color of their fat caused by their diet of seagrasses and large algae, are an important protected species in Taiwan. New Taipei City, with its 145 kilometers of coastline along the northeast and northwestern shores, is rich in ecological resources and home to many rare marine animals including green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and various cetaceans.
The Animal Protection Office urged the public to remain calm and avoid crowding or touching stranded sea turtles or cetaceans. Any sightings of stranded marine wildlife should be reported promptly through the National Marine Protected Wildlife Rescue Network system or by calling the 118 hotline to help protect Taiwan's marine ecosystem.
