Two turtles were released back into the wild on Saturday after a long recovery period at Nature Trust – FEE Malta’s rehabilitation facility.

Their release was supported by BOV, and served as a key highlight of its Rebbiegħa programme, celebrating the Bank’s 50th anniversary. They have been under the care of Nature Trust since 2021.

Atua and EM are two loggerhead turtles who both lost one of their front fins after becoming entangled in marine debris

Despite the severity of their injuries, both turtles have shown “remarkable resilience” during their time at the NGO's rehabilitation facility, said the bank.

They have now fully recovered, and, according to Vincent Attard, CEO of Nature Trust – FEE Malta, they are expected to live a full and healthy life in the wild.

“This release is a true testament to the power of collaboration between organisations for the good of our environment,” continued Mr Attard. “Atua and EM's survival and rehabilitation show how much can be achieved through dedication and care. We are thrilled to have been able to help these magnificent creatures return to their natural habitat, and with the satellite trackers on their backs, we will be able to follow their journey and continue to learn from them.”

The turtles have been fitted with satellite trackers to monitor their movements. The data gathered will be shared with the public via Nature Trust – FEE's social media platforms, offering an opportunity to follow Atua and EM's progress and raise awareness about the threats facing marine life.

“This project represents the essence of what we hoped to achieve with the Rebbiegħa programme. It's about more than just supporting projects – it's about making a tangible difference to our environment and ensuring a sustainable future,” explained Charles Azzopardi who heads the CSR and Events Teams at BOV.

“Atua and EM's story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause,” he concluded.