Conservationists Release Rescued Sea Turtles Back into Lagos Waters

Conservationists in Lagos, Nigeria, successfully released three endangered sea turtles back into the ocean after rescuing them from fishing nets. This event took place at a private beach in the bustling coastal city, where a group of students and conservationists gathered to celebrate the turtles’ return to their natural habitat. The release represents a significant milestone for the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, which has been actively involved in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in the region.

The turtles were initially rescued from local fishermen, who often perceive them as a food source. Chinedu Mogbo, founder of the Greenfingers group, emphasized the lack of awareness regarding wildlife conservation among local communities. He stated, “For fishermen, they are just food. There is no knowledge out there of wildlife.” This perspective contributes to the declining numbers of sea turtles along the coast of Lagos, a city with a population exceeding 20 million. Though there are no precise figures for the remaining sea turtle population in the area, conservationists report a worrying decrease in nesting activity.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Nigeria is home to 23 critically endangered species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The country also faces challenges related to illegal wildlife trafficking, driven by population growth and insufficient public awareness about environmental issues. Mark Ofua, West Africa representative for Wild Africa, remarked, “Nigeria’s endangered wildlife faces an acutely critical and ongoing threat, teetering on the brink of irreversible biodiversity collapse.”

Efforts by conservationists are beginning to show positive results. The rescued sea turtles were cared for in a sanctuary before their release. Mogbo noted that some previously released turtles have been recaptured by fishermen, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of protecting these creatures. To incentivize local fishermen to assist in conservation efforts, they are rewarded with fishing gear when they report accidental catches of sea turtles or discover turtle nests.

As the three turtles were released into the ocean, students in attendance expressed their enthusiasm for wildlife conservation. Aviel Izedonmi, one of the students present at the event, shared her passion for wildlife rehabilitation and the significance of such initiatives in Nigeria. “Seeing something like this in Nigeria, where it is uncommon, just shows me how important these things are,” Izedonmi said.

The release of these turtles exemplifies the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and protect endangered wildlife along the Nigerian coast. As conservationists continue to work collaboratively with local communities, there is hope for the future of sea turtles and other threatened species in the region.