Sun, 26 Apr 1998

From:

Baby turtles released

THIMARI, Greece (AP): Two endangered baby sea turtles treated for injuries were released yesterday into the Aegean Sea

The turtles, named Alkinoos and Thrasyvoulos, were released at Thimari, a beach about 40 kms south of Athens. Alkinoos and Thrasyvoulos, measuring 38 and 15 cms respectively and are less than 1 year old. At maturity, they can weigh up to 230 kilos.

They had been treated for injuries at the Sea Turtle Protection Center in Glyfada, a seaside suburb of the capital.

Alkinoos, a Caretta Caretta turtle, was brought to the center last August after being caught in a fisherman's net. It suffered a head injury. Another fisherman found Thrasyvoulos, a green sea turtle, in February, crippled by a severe eye infection.

"Although Alkinoos is blind in one eye, both the turtles are in fine shape and are likely to survive in the wild," said Hariklia Kopsida, coordinator of the center.