LATAM's Solidarity Plane program transports olive ridley turtle rescued for rehabilitation

With the goal of contributing to the conservation of protected marine species, LATAM's Solidarity Plane program transported an olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from the Los Lagos Region to Santiago. The turtle is set to undergo rehabilitation at the Safari Conservation Foundation, located in the O'Higgins region. The animal was initially rescued by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) off the coast of Ancud on Chiloé Island, in the Los Lagos Region.

The turtle is an adult female, weighing 38 kg and measuring 90 cm in length. She was found© LATAM Cargo stranded at the time of her rescue. Sernapesca first transferred her to the Chiloé Silvestre biodiversity conservation center. During an initial assessment, superficial wounds were detected on her carapace and front flippers. She received primary care, including fluid therapy, antibiotics, vitamins, and pain management. However, for a full recovery, the decision was made to continue her rehabilitation at the Safari Conservation Foundation, where she will undergo further examinations and treatments.

It is hoped that once the turtle is in optimal condition, she can be reintroduced to the coasts of northern Chile, where she will find a more suitable environment for her species, with appropriate temperatures and greater food availability.

The olive ridley turtle is classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Chile's Ministry of the Environment (MMA). Additionally, it is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

© LATAM Cargo

This species inhabits tropical waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Its diet is primarily carnivorous but also includes algae, crustaceans, invertebrates, and small fish. Unfortunately, pollution, climate change, and interactions with fishing activities have severely impacted its population, making rescue and rehabilitation efforts like this one crucial.

Juan José Tohá, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for the LATAM group, stated, "At LATAM, we understand that our commitment to society also involves protecting biodiversity. Through our Solidarity Plane program, we make our network available for conservation, facilitating the transport of at-risk wildlife so it can receive necessary care and return to its habitat in the best possible condition. This collaboration with Sernapesca is a concrete example of how connectivity can contribute to the preservation of our species."

© LATAM Cargo

Ricardo Sáez, National Head of the Conservation and Biodiversity Unit at Sernapesca, commented, "We thank Chiloé Silvestre for all their efforts in keeping this turtle safe. They provided essential treatments and care that were crucial for her stabilization. Thanks to LATAM's Solidarity Plane program, we were able to arrange this transfer, and thanks to the Safari Conservation Foundation, which will provide specialized care. The journey began this Friday, March 28th, involving a long land trip, a ferry crossing, and a flight to the Metropolitan Region, before the turtle was finally transferred to the Safari Conservation Foundation's Rehabilitation Center in the O'Higgins region. There, she will be rehabilitated until she is in optimal condition to return to her natural habitat."