Zoomarine rescues young Caretta caretta turtle off Maccarese

A juvenile Caretta caretta sea turtle was found near the beach of Maccarese, Italy, with a fishing hook lodged in its mouth and attached to a floating bottle used as a line marker. After a report to the Coast Guard, the regional TartaLazio network coordinated the rescue and transferred the animal to the Zoomarine Centre for First Aid of Marine Turtles.

Veterinarians Daniele La Monaca, Saverio Meini and director Camillo Sandri performed a swift surgical removal of the hook, treated the turtle for infection risk and intestinal air buildup, and began a high‑digestibility fish diet. The 4‑5‑year‑old, weighing just over 2 kg, resumed eating within two days and gained about 80 g in four days. If recovery continues, the centre plans to release the turtle back into the sea in the coming weeks.