THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has released two juvenile Olive Ridley Sea Turtles back to their natural habitat in Zamboanga del Norte.
George Laolao, Community Environment and Natural Resources officer (Cenro) of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, said the two juvenile turtles were freed last week while the DENR was celebrating the World Wildlife Day.
Laolao said the turtles were released in Dohinob village, Roxas, Zambonga del Norte.
He said the two turtles came from the custody of the Pawikan Hatchery and Rescue Center (PHRC) in Zamboanga del Norte, who cared for them ever since they were hatchlings as they could not be released earlier due to their weak condition.
After a few months of proper care in the PHRC, the juvenile turtles are now in good and healthy condition to be released back to their natural habitat.
The Olive Ridley turtles are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since there has been a significant decrease in its population due to marine pollution and other factors.
The DENR celebrated the World Wildlife Day on March 3 with the theme: "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration." (SunStar Zamboanga)