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Seven loggerhead turtles have returned to the Mediterranean after spending their first 14 months in specialist care at l’Oceanogràfic in Valencia.

 

The turtles were born on Benidorm’s Levante beach in the early hours of August 7, 2025, as part of a clutch of 37 hatchlings. Thirty were released that same day at nearby Tío Ximo cove. The remaining seven were taken to l’Oceanogràfic for a controlled rearing programme known as Head Starting.

 

They returned to the water at Poniente beach on Thursday October 22, watched by around 150 primary school pupils from three Benidorm schools and a crowd of onlookers.

 

The programme gives young turtles food and constant care for about a year, helping them grow larger and stronger before they face the open sea.

 

Mario Romero, from the Oceanogràfic Foundation, said the turtles chosen for the programme are selected at random. It is not possible to tell at birth which hatchlings may need the most support, so a small group is given extra care while the rest make their natural journey to the sea.

 

After their year at l’Oceanogràfic, the seven turtles had reached the size expected of animals about four years old. Environmental educators said that extra size and strength improves their chances of survival in the Mediterranean.

 

 

 

The release was organised by Benidorm Ayuntamiento’s environment department and l’Oceanogràfic, with support from Serra Gelada Natural Park, the Mundomar Foundation, the Policía Local and beach management company RA Benidorm.

 

Pupils from Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, CEIP Ausiàs March and CEIP El Murtal watched the turtles enter the water after learning about marine pollution and biodiversity.

 

Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez called it an “extraordinary moment”.

 

“It allowed nearly 75 children from three schools not only to enjoy the moment enthusiastically, but also to receive a practical, open-air masterclass on caring for the environment, biodiversity, our beaches and our sea,” he said.

 

He also praised the people who reported the hatching in August 2025, allowing emergency services to activate the protection protocol quickly.

 

Benidorm has now recorded loggerhead nesting for two years running. A nest was found on Poniente beach in 2024, followed by last summer’s hatching on Levante beach.

 

Benidorm’s beaches and environment councillor, Mónica Gómez, said the repeated nesting confirms the stable presence of the species along the town’s coastline.

 

Anyone who sees a turtle laying eggs, a possible nest or traces of nesting should call 112 immediately. People are asked not to touch the turtle or eggs, disturb the sand or use lights and noise, which can disorient nesting females and hatchlings.

 

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm/Instagram