The storm "Barbara" that has been affecting Israel for several days left behind quite a bit of damage, and even caused damage to 12 sea turtles, which washed up on the beaches in the country.
Together with the number of injured turtles that were ejected from the sea last week, their number is about 20.
• Researchers warn: sea turtles are in danger of extinction, over a million have been hunted and traded in the world
• Exciting encounter: a sea cucumber that survived a shark bite was recorded in the Gulf of Eilat
• After being injured and rehabilitated: 5 sea turtles were released back into the wild
As every year, the stormy winter weather causes the sea temperature to drop, which weakens the turtles.
Strong currents and winds sweep the weak and injured sea turtles ashore when they are exhausted.
In one of the most recent cases, a 95-kilogram sea lobster washed ashore, the largest so far.
After the turtles are released onto the beach, they are transferred to the National Center for the Rescue of Sea Turtles of the Nature and Parks Authority, where they undergo comprehensive tests and receive medical treatment, which includes, among other things, a CT radiological diagnosis, the administration of fluids, medicines, warm water baths against the cold, and more.
A sea turtle washed ashore following Hurricane "Barbara" // Photo: Dr. Yaniv Levy - Sea Turtle Rescue Center Nature and Parks Authority
The people of the rescue center clarified that in the event that someone comes across an injured sea turtle that has washed ashore, one should not try to return it to the sea, as it is weak and needs medical attention - even if it looks perfectly healthy on the outside.
Therefore, the Nature and Parks Authority asked the public and beach users to call the Authority's hotline at *3639, in order to coordinate the transfer of the turtle to the rescue center.
A sea turtle that was thrown into the sea following Hurricane "Barbara" is transported for medical treatment // Photo: Dr. Yaniv Levy - Sea Turtle Rescue Center Nature and Parks Authority
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us