Turtle Guard Student Interest Group of FVM Udayana Actively Involved in the Handling and Health Assessment of 21 Confiscated Sea Turtles at TCEC Serangan

• Posted by: Admin
• Kamis, 11 Juni 2026
• Has been read 181 time(s)

Denpasar – A total of 21 confiscated sea turtles, consisting of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), were handed over to the Benoa Water Police on Thursday, 11 June 2026. Following the confiscation, all turtles were temporarily transferred to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) in Serangan for post-confiscation health assessments and monitoring.

In this activity, students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM), Udayana University, who are members of the Turtle Guard Student Interest Group, played an active role in supporting the rescue and conservation efforts for these protected marine species. The students were directly involved from the rescue and initial handling process alongside relevant authorities through to the health examinations conducted upon the turtles’ arrival at TCEC.

Under the supervision of veterinarians, the students participated in a series of health assessments, including general physical examinations, blood sample collection, and preliminary laboratory analyses to evaluate the turtles’ physiological condition and overall health status. These examinations were essential to ensure that each turtle received appropriate care following the confiscation process.

Based on the initial examination results, most of the turtles were found to be in relatively good condition. They were observed swimming actively, showed no signs of dehydration, and exhibited no significant lesions or physical abnormalities. These findings provide positive indications regarding their recovery prospects and the success of the rehabilitation process they will undergo.

Currently, all turtles remain under temporary care at TCEC Serangan, where they continue to receive health monitoring and follow-up treatment. Once their condition is deemed stable and they meet the required release criteria, the turtles are planned to be returned to their natural habitat as part of ongoing conservation efforts to protect Indonesia’s marine wildlife.

This activity not only represents an important effort to rescue protected wildlife but also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through sea turtle conservation, recognizing turtles as an essential component of marine ecosystems. The involvement of FVM Udayana students in the handling and health assessment process also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing valuable field-based learning experiences. Furthermore, the collaboration among academics, veterinarians, law enforcement authorities, and conservation organizations reflects the implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Efforts to protect sea turtles from illegal trade additionally contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem management.

The participation of FVM Udayana students through the Turtle Guard Student Interest Group demonstrates the commitment of the younger generation to biodiversity conservation and highlights the importance of collaboration among academia, animal health professionals, and conservation institutions in safeguarding the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems.