Indonesia returns 20 green sea turtles to ocean after Bali smuggling raid

Serangan Island, situated on the Indonesian tourist destination of Bali, witnessed the release of 20 protected green sea turtles back into the ocean on Tuesday. This occurred following the seizure of a boat, seemingly abandoned by wildlife smugglers fleeing a police operation. The turtles, which are legally protected in Indonesia, were examined at a conservation facility on the island, also known as Turtle Island, before being safely returned to the sea.

Earlier, on Saturday, Bali's marine police thwarted a smuggling attempt involving 22 green sea turtles, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas. The discovery was made after the police received a tip from locals who had spotted suspicious activity related to sea turtle smuggling in the area. Despite all 22 turtles being found alive on the boat, two of them were still unwell and required medical attention before they could also be released.

The turtles which are protected under Indonesian law, were found in a vessel that had already fled the scene.