Italian
After treatment at the Lido First Aid Center, released into the open sea by Civil Protection
VENICE – It was a morning filled with emotion at Alberoni, where two Caretta caretta sea turtles returned to the waters of the Adriatic. They were Elena, a young specimen of about five years, and baby Serenity, just one year old—an exceptional case in the history of recoveries overseen by the Giacomo Ligabue Natural History Museum of Venice.
Both turtles had been cared for at the First Aid Center of the Francesco Morosini Institute at the Lido, a facility operating within the framework of the European NetCet project for the protection of cetaceans and sea turtles. After veterinary check-ups, hydration, and targeted treatments, the turtles were transported offshore and released into the sea from a Civil Protection vessel of the City of Venice, in front of staff, volunteers, and citizens who had gathered to witness the animals’ return “home.”
A Rare Case: Baby Serenity
While Elena had drawn attention when she was found at Sant’Erasmo unable to dive, Serenity surprised experts with her size. Of specimens so small—under three centimeters—little is known about their habits, and until now none had ever been reported at the Lido. This year, six one-year-old hatchlings had reached the Adriatic coast and were later transferred to Riccione, except for Serenity, who remained in care at the Venetian center and was released into the sea today.
The Network for Animal Protection
The initiative is part of the collaboration between the City of Venice and the Fondazione Musei Civici, renewed this year for a further three years. Thanks to the coordination of the Natural History Museum, the local network provides first aid, veterinary care, transfers to specialized centers, and the possibility of returning animals to their natural environment.
The Councilor for the Environment, Massimiliano De Martin, expressed gratitude to the staff and volunteers who cared for the two turtles: “Our shared goal is to contribute to the safeguarding of sensitive species such as sea turtles, helping individuals in difficulty and giving them back their freedom once they have recovered.”
Good Practices for Citizens
The director of the Natural History Museum, Luca Mizzan, took the opportunity to remind the public what to do in case of a discovery: never touch the animal, do not remove objects or parasites from its body, and immediately contact the Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, as Elena and Serenity swim again in their sea, another turtle remains under care at the Morosini Center: Giordana, who arrived weak and with respiratory difficulties but is showing steady improvement.
More information on sea turtle research and care projects is available on the website of the Natural History Museum of Venice: https://msn.visitmuve.it/it/ricerca/settori/erpetologia-2/progetti/studio-tartarughe-marine/.
