After 38 years in captivity, the tortugo Jorge finally obtained freedom and his journey continues. The satellite monitoring program confirmed the good health and progress of the animal.
Two weeks ago, he was taken to the Atlantic Ocean. Now, Jorge has traveled approximately 500 kilometers and is currently in Uruguay.
Wildlife experts closely monitor the tortugo, observing its behavior and adaptation to the natural environment.
The journey of tortugo Jorge in freedom
The data obtained so far indicates that the tortugo is in optimal conditions, showing normal behavior for its species.
Tortugo Jorge returned to freedom.
Despite the inherent risks in its habitat, such as industrial fishing, specialists assure that it remains in good condition. This monitoring represents an important step in the efforts to protect a vulnerable species like this one.
Jorge’s story
The sea turtle, spent 38 years in captivity at the former municipal aquarium in Mendoza, now converted into a Conservation Center for Biodiversity.
He arrived in the province in March 1984, from Bahía Blanca and at the age of 30 (approximately). During all this time, he lived in a pond at this site (now closed and converted into a biodiversity conservation center), until in October 2022, he was transferred to the Mar del Plata Marine Fauna Rehabilitation Center.
Upon arrival in Mar del Plata, he was transferred to a larger space, where he regained strength and began his training to dive. Initially, the water depth was one and a half meters, as turtles need to surface to breathe.
Jorge quickly adapted to this procedure and to the saltwater, to which he had been gradually exposed in Mendoza.
To stimulate his hunting instinct, crabs were introduced into his habitat. Later, “stingrays” (small rays) were added, which forced him to compete for his food. Despite the difficulties, Jorge showed that his hunting instinct was intact.
Tortugo Jorge was released.
When he was ready for release, after almost 40 years of captivity, it generated joy and excitement among both the biologists and aquarium workers as well as the city’s residents who had known him during his time at the facility.
