The green turtle found injured on the beach along Gurney Drive being handed to Penang Fisheries Department. — Courtesy photo
A GREEN turtle weighing just 3kg was rescued after being found stranded on a beach along Gurney Drive, George Town.
Penang Fisheries Department said it received a report from fishermen about a turtle that had washed ashore and deployed officers to the scene.
The reptile was identified as a green turtle (Chelonia mydas), locally known as penyu agar.
It measured about 39cm in shell length and had suffered minor injuries, though it was still alive and responsive.
The turtle was taken to Akuarium Tunku Abdul Rahman in Batu Maung for temporary care.
Once stabilised, it will be transferred to the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre at Pantai Kerachut, within Penang National Park, for release, the department said.
Green turtles are the most commonly encountered sea turtle species in Penang waters, especially along the island’s northern and eastern coastlines.
At 3kg, this turtle is not an adult. Fully grown green turtles can weigh more than 150kg and have shells exceeding 1m in length.
A turtle this size is considered a juvenile, estimated to be several years old but still far from breeding age.
Green turtles take decades to reach maturity, said to be from 20 to 40 years, making the survival of juveniles crucial for the species.
Penang Fisheries Department urges anyone who encounters stranded marine mammals or threatened marine species to contact it at 04-657 2777.
