In September 2015, Caretta Caretta turtle named Astrid, which was treated for four years in collaboration with the Near East University Animal Hospital and Tashkent Nature Park, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, was returned to its natural life.

In a statement made by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Astrid, who was blinded by an eye with blows to the head and further suffered fractures in her head, was restored to her health after four years of treatment and rehabilitation, and was set free on the coast of Güzelyalı, Kyrenia.

Successful Operation with First Response at Near East University Animal Hospital…
In 2015, the sea turtle Caretta Caretta, which had very serious wounds on its head, was taken to the Near East University Animal Hospital, and it was determined that it received human-induced blows. Caretta Caretta, who had significant fractures in the head and blinded by an impact, was taken under clinical examinations, and blood tests and radiological examinations were performed, and the first intervention was performed by the surgeons of the Near East University Animal Hospital. With the successful operation of Caretta Caretta, the injuries in the head were treated with a special technique using bone glue.

Treated for Two Years…
The Caretta Caretta was named Astrid at the Near East University Animal Hospital. Astrid has been cared for at least 2 years at the Animal Hospital.

Rehabilitation Process in Tashkent Nature Park…
In 2017, Astrid’s was transferred to Tashkent Nature Park in order to continue the rehabilitation works under the cooperation protocol signed between the Near East University Veterinary Faculty and Animal Hospital, and the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of Tashkent Nature Park. Astrid was constantly monitored in a tank dedicated himself and kept under control and an intensive care process was conducted by the experts of the Nature Park and Near East Animal Hospital doctors from Turkey, Israel, and Italy.

Return to its habitat…
After four years of treatment, care and rehabilitation, Astrid was able to dive underwater. After months of treatment, Astrid was taken to rehearse swimming in a lagoon by the seaside in July 2019 and successfully passed the test. It was decided that the Caretta Caretta, which was able to stay and sleep under the water, should be left to its natural habitat on 27 October 2019. Astrid was attached to a special satellite transmitter and will be followed during his journey in the sea.

Assoc. Dr. Osman Ergene: “We have achieved the result of our dedication and patience…”
Near East University Animal Hospital Chief Physician Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Ergene said that they have been working with great devotion and patience for the survival and recovery of Astrid, who was seriously injured by blows to the head. At the end of the four-year process Astrid caretta was able to go to its natural environment. Ergene emphasized the need to be more sensitive to animals, nature and the environment.

Assoc. Dr. Ergene said, “In 2015, we carried out an operation by performing necessary examinations, tests and controls on the caretta who received blows to the head and suffered from eye injuries. After two years of intensive treatment, we sent Astrid to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for rehabilitation within the scope of our cooperation agreement with Tashkent Nature Park. During the process, many applications such as extracting sub-shell air and placing weights on the shell to allow the caretta caretta to dive into the water. As a result of years of treatments in the rehabilitation pool, we have now experienced the joy of regaining the health of the careta caretta, which we call Astrid. As Near East University Animal Hospital, our sensitivity towards free treatment for wild animals will continue. Not only for the protection of sea turtles facing extinction danger, but we will also continue to show every sacrifice necessary to raise awareness in our country for the protection of all living creatures.”

Caretta Caretta is returning to nature as a result of the collaboration of experts.
Tashkent Nature Park Director Kemal Basat said that Astrid was able to return to nature after 4 years and that the inter-institutional cooperation and the contributions of people from different fields of expertise were of great importance and thanked everyone who contributed to this issue.