Authorities on the tourist island of Bali have released 20 protected green sea turtles back into the ocean after they were found and seized on an empty boat seemingly abandoned by wildlife smugglers fleeing a police raid.
Officers conducted final checks on the turtles at a conservation centre on Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, in southern Bali. They then carefully lifted the turtles using blue cloths and transported them by small truck to the shoreline.
Marine police officers in Bali on Saturday foiled an attempt to smuggle 22 green sea turtles in the waters off Serangan Island after receiving a report from residents.
Two of the 22 turtles are still sick and need to be treated before they can also be released, Gusti Agung Purnama Wirahadi from the Bali Water and Air Police said yesterday. — AP
