Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX through its Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Ramon Magsaysay personnel retrieved and released an Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) on November 21, 2020 at Barangay Lower Bayao, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
 
The turtle was spotted by two concerned citizens along the coastal waters of Brgy. Lower Bayao and was immediately reported to the authorities.
 
Upon initial inspection and examination, it was found to be healthy and in good condition. It weighed about 40 kg and has a length of 71 cm and width of 69 cm. After proper tagging and documentation, it has been released back to its habitat.
 
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) classifies the Olive Ridley Turtle as Vulnerable due to the decrease of its population. Photo courtesy of CENRO RM