The total weight of these 3 individuals is 41.2 kg. After being cared for and deemed healthy and well-developed, the turtles are ready to be released back into their natural environment. Among them, 2 individuals belong to the hawksbill species (scientific name: Eretmochelys imbricata) and 1 individual belongs to the green turtle species (scientific name: Chelonia mydas). It is known that hawksbill and green turtles are among the rare and endangered sea turtle species listed in the World and Vietnam Red Lists, requiring strict protection.
Mr. Huynh Quang Huy, head of the Binh Thuan Fisheries Sub-department, stated that the turtles had been raised by local residents in their homes for many years. Upon learning that these were endangered and rare aquatic species, the residents voluntarily handed them over to the authorities for release back into the natural environment. Upon initial reception, it was observed that the turtles, having been raised in captivity for a long time in fresh water and fed, had lost their natural hunting instincts.
Therefore, the provincial Fisheries Sub-department transferred them to the Dau Tieng Wildlife Conservation Station for nurturing, care, and rehabilitation. Mr. Huynh Quang Huy also expressed gratitude to the families who voluntarily handed over these endangered aquatic species to the authorities for release back into the natural environment. He also hopes that these families would continue to spread awareness and collaborate with the fisheries sector in jointly protecting and developing aquatic resources in the future.