Pawikan rescued, released

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/07/18/pawikan-rescued-released-419711
• Saturday, July 18, 2015

(Sun.Star Davao)

THE Davao Light and Power Co. saved and released an Olive Ridley sea turtle at the Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City last July 10.

The pawikan was turned over by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the police authorities to Davao Light's community relations manager Fermin Edillon last July 4 after it was found weak and injured along the shore of Bucana.

The turtle was then brought to the Cleanergy Park for it to recuperate from its wounds.

The adult turtle, which measures 68 cm. in curve carapace length and 65 cm. in curve carapace width, sustained several wounds on its shell and on its flippers.

According to the physical examination undertaken by the DENR, the pawikan possibly got its wounds from boat propellers.

Pawikans usually are attracted to the sound of boat propellers causing them to go near it and eventually get hit by it.

Six days after it was rescued, the pawikan laid eggs while in the repository tub. It is believed that it was about to lay eggs but got injured on its way to the land. Hence, the release of the turtle was scheduled just in time as its wounds were already healing.

"This is the second time for the Cleanergy Park to house an Olive Ridley turtle which is an indication that the Davao Gulf is still rich in biodiversity. Now, the park is not only known as a nesting place for turtles but also as a place for saved pawikans. Caring for nature is truly rewarding. I am also happy to note that one of the visitors even offered to give voluntary service for his team to do clean-up or tree planting in the park," Edillon said.

Prior to the release, the mother pawikan was tagged with two labels, PH0133J & PH0134J, for it to be recognized once it comes back. Now, it can continue laying its eggs for a new generation of pawikans.