Sep 26, 2005, Karachi
WWF – Pakistan releases a Green Turtle back into the sea

Mr. Sebastiao Rodrigues rescued a one-year old Green Turtle, which was released by ICI Chief, Mr. John R Stoney in the presence of Mr. Rodrigues and nearly 400 school students and teachers on Sep 26, 2005 on the occasion of ‘The Beach Cleaning Day', organised by WWF – Pakistan to formally launch ICI sponsored ‘Save the turtle project'.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rodrigues said, “Some one

gave me the turtle tokeep it in an aquarium tank because they knew how fond I was of caring for water creatures. When I got hold of it, I realised that this was a sea turtle and knew that it was best to put it back in the sea. Enrooted to the beach that same evening I met a friend Salvadore Fernandes, who worked with WWF – Pakistan Wetland Centre and sought his advice on the matter. He asked me to wait while he contacted the WWF – Pakistan Conservationist, Mr. Babar Hussain, who promptly came over and collected the turtle from me. They told me that they would release it back into the sea in the presence of school children to show them how to safely release the Green Turtle into its natural habitat, the sea.

Mr. John R Stoney, ICI Chief, also presented a shield to Mr. Sebastiao Rodrigues on this event.

For further information:
Shameer Ali Prasla,
Environmental Education and Communications Officer
WWF – Pakistan,
Regional Office Karachi.
Tel: +92 21 45 44 791-92

Fax: 021 45 44 790,