It was on 14th June, 2008 when the Mr. Aron Fernandes, secretary of “The Green Cross” received a phone call from one of the shack employee at Anjuna informing about stranded turtle at the shore. Aron and Mario rushed to the beach and were amazed to see the rare species of turtle. Its carapace had slight bruises and the turtle seemed to be fatigued. We immediately gave him the first aid and then took it to the IAR for a check up. Then it was kept under the observation of the Govt. Vet. We then started looking out for identification of this rare species because we knew this turtle was different one never seen on the Goan Beaches. We were thrilled ……. ! It was “The Loggerhead” turtle, weighing about 130 kg and 75 cm in length. Well…..THIS WAS THE FIRST REPORT FOR THE STATE OF GOA. On finding its condition fit and fine, we approached MPT, Vasco and with their help of the “TUG” we all went up to 6km away the wave break zone to release the turtle.  Wow!!! It was a wonderful experience especially to watch the massive loggerhead going back to sea. After 10 min the turtle gave us a glimpse to take a gulp of air and then finally disappeared in the deep Ocean. This is the most memorable day we will never forget…………

Some facts about Loggerhead Turtle………… It got its name “Loggerhead” due to exceptionally large size of the head. According to sea turtle literature from India and Indian Ocean are of the world’s seven species of sea turtle, five are known to inhabit Indian coastal waters, its Bay islands, Lakshadweep etc. Except for the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), remaining four species nest along the Indian Ocean. These Loggerhead turtle are most common along the southeastern U.S coast. In India they sometimes occur along the Gulf of Mannar. Of late, there has been one report of loggerhead turtle getting entangled in fishing net along the Mumbai Coast. Loggerheads are highly migratory, making some of the longest journeys known of all marine turtle species and particularly vulnerable to accidental capture in the nets and long-lines of the world's fisheries. This endangered species is protected under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and included in appendix I of CITIES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Flora and Fauna).