Man trying to kill turtle released without charge

Last night on Kite Beach, a tour guide who cooperates with SOS Tartarugas phoned to tell us that he had found a turtle upside down.  The guide waited with his guests until the Rangers, Military and Police arrived.

The man responsible was extremely drunk and very aggressive, threatening everyone including the group of tourists.  He was also unafraid of the consequences of his actions and told Rangers that it didn't matter, he would come back tomorrow and take another turtle.

The soldiers held him until the police came and arrested him but when we went to the police station today, it seems that there is little chance that any further action will be taken.

While the recent publicity over the killing of turtles on Sal has resulted in criticism of various authorities and by default, this association, nothing has been said about the criminal activities of people such as this man.  No amount of patrols will solve the problem until the population makes it unacceptable for turtles to be killed and for turtle meat to be eaten.

Caretta - the turtle that was found upside down last night

The turtle was lucky this time and was released back to the sea.  She had been tagged previously by our visitors from Project Caretta in Santiago island who attended a workshop designed to give them more experience working with turtles.  João named this turtle Caretta.