Foundation JUVIMAR
The release of fully recovered sea turtles
A lot has happened during 2021 at the rehab center in Ecuador. There were chaotic times for Ruben, May and the volunteer team. In the middle of the year, a lot of injured turtles came to the center as emergencies. Lack of space at the center was one of the big challenges, as they simply did not have enough pools for so many animals. Fortunately, with the help of donations and volunteers, they were able to help most of the animals, which could later be released back into the wild. One of the highlights was the release of two turtles in the open ocean on a boat or the release of some sea turtles directly on the beach in front of the center.
Stephanie had the pleasure of helping with the release of sea turtles in the open ocean at Isla de la Plata. This also marked the end of a chapter for Stephanie a few weeks later, as she traveled back to Switzerland with her husband Rugbycol. There they will stay for a few years and then venture into a new adventure. Right next to the beach of the center, more fully recovered sea turtles were released into the wild.
*Picture 1- 5 Rugbycol and Stephanie are helping with the reintroduction.
*Picture 6 - 7 Release of the turtle Pata on the beach of the center.
Ruben and May in tireless action
Ruben and May in tireless action
Ruben, May and the volunteer team of the "Centro de Rehabilitación de Fauna Marino Costera" were tirelessly working for the sea turtles as well as other inhabitants of the ocean during the past year 2021. There was a lot to do. Especially when they were overwhelmed by 22 injured animals, they ran out of space. They were already housing over 40 other sea turtles at this time. Fortunately, they overcame this challenge as well. This example shows that everyone in the center is passionate and dedicated. In addition, we were able to donate a total of 288 times to the "Centro de Rehabilitación de Fauna Marino Costera" in 2021. In this way, we are making an important contribution to maintaining this valuable work. The donations are mainly used for medicine, medical equipment and food for the animals in order to get them fit again for release into the wild.
Educating the next generation
This picture shows how important the work in Ecuador is also for younger generations. Children actively help to bring a turtle to the center. Children-Days were often held at the center last year to promote education about marine wildlife conservation among younger generations.
The turtle in the red bandage required treatment for a fracture to the head and left flipper.
New name for the aid project in Ecuador
New name for the aid project in Ecuador
The name change and official registration of the Foundation JUVIMAR is great news for the work around marine wildlife conservation in Ecuador. May told us that Ruben has left the ministry. As a result, the rest of the team around May had to leave the center as well. Unfortunately, Mays offer to support their services are still unanswered. Now it is in the hands of the ministry until the official approval is there.
May is now working with Foundation JUVIMAR on another contract with the Ministry to get "custody" of the center we support in Playas Villamil, so they can safely invest there and improve it without fear of the Ministry leaving them out. On the social side, they are working closely with a local recycling association to implement an educational program in Puerto López that promotes recycling at the source. In the meantime, Rubén treats some of the patients in his own clinic, such as seabirds, and operates on the turtles when necessary. Makoi continues to assist May and the Foundation JUVIMAR, while May provides us with the latest information about the work in Ecuador.
By the way, the name of the foundation JUVIMAR comes from a mixture of «juntos por la vida marina» (common to marine life) and after the name of the sea turtle Jubilada.
Direct support through our theme-based collection!
Not only through the donation when buying individual products, but also through the message of the designs of our collection in collaboration with the artist Pomba you help the Foundation JUVIMAR continue to pursue their goals.
How can you help sea turtles?
- Support together with makoi the great work of May and the JUVIMAR Foundation.
- Switch to a more plant-based diet and eat less seafood.
- Get involved in plastic pollution clean-ups.
- Talk to other people about this issue and its weighting. Share this post.
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