Twenty young loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) raised at the Principality of Asturias Marine Animal Recovery Centre, Crama Bioparc at Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón have been released into the Mediterranean after completing the Headstarting conservation programme.
The turtles, together with eight individuals from other centres involved in the project, were reintroduced on the beach at Calblanque Regional Park, near Cartagena. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Natural Heritage and Climate Action of the Region of Murcia.
Headstarting helps young turtles survive
The Headstarting technique involves temporarily raising newly hatched turtles during the most vulnerable stage of their lives. The animals remain in specialist facilities until they reach a size and physical condition that can improve their chances of survival after release.
The twenty turtles arrived at Crama Bioparc in October 2025, shortly after hatching. During their stay at BIOPARC Acuario de Gijón, they received individual monitoring through regular growth checks, clinical examinations, blood tests and specific animal welfare and environmental enrichment programmes.
They were also rotated between different facilities and exposed to activities designed to encourage natural behaviours and prepare them for life in the marine environment.
Turtles hatched on Calblanque Beach
The nest from which the turtles originated was discovered in July 2025 on Calblanque Beach by the Territorio Tortuga team. After hatching, the young turtles were distributed among several specialist centres, where they were cared for during their first months of life.
Before release, the turtles were fitted with microchips. These will enable researchers to collect new information on their movements, survival and behaviour in the Mediterranean.
«Accompanying these turtles from their first days of life until we see them embark on this new chapter is the best reward for the entire team’s daily work. Each individual represents hope for saving this threatened species and demonstrates the value of collaboration between public authorities and specialist centres», said Susana Acle, director of Biology, Veterinary Care and Research at BIOPARC Gijón.
Nearly 300 loggerhead turtles released since 2019
Since 2019, nearly 300 loggerhead turtles hatched on beaches in the Region of Murcia or rehabilitated through conservation programmes have been reintroduced into the Mediterranean.
The Region of Murcia has also become one of the main loggerhead turtle nesting areas on the Spanish coast. Eleven nests have been recorded since monitoring began, including two discovered during the current season.
The release concludes a year of joint work by the Region of Murcia, Crama Bioparc at Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón and the other centres participating in the Headstarting programme. The partnership aims to increase survival during the turtles’ early life stages and strengthen the conservation of a species classified as Vulnerable.
