NOORU

Inspired by the Maldives, Nooru is a female olive ridley turtle who was found tangled in a ghost net near Maavaru Kandu in Baa Atoll. Rescued by the Coco Dive team from Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on 17th December 2023, she was brought to safety.

On arrival, she was found with deep ligature injuries on her left front and right rear flippers, along with bone exposure on both her flippers. Though she was generally in a good health, her blood tests revealed evidence of infection, while the X-rays revealed a humerus fracture. Nooru underwent two surgeries to amputate her left front flipper, clean and debride her right hind flipper. To support her during the healing process, she was provided platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and photo biomodulation (PBM). Further, to encourage her to dive she was introduced to Targeted External Weight Therapy which would gradually restore her swimming skill and diving behaviours, expediting a safe return to the wild.

Her wounds gradually healed, but by March 2024, she began experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Thankfully, her appetite returned in April. She recovered from her flipper injuries and resumed dive training, showing impressive lung capacity and improved diving depth. However, buoyancy issues arose due to gas accumulation in her gastrointestinal tract. At the end of last year, a procedure was performed to remove gas and repair lung tears where she was closely monitored with specialised care from the ORP veterinary team.

With the support of multiple adoptive parents throughout her recovery, Nooru continues to battle gas entrapment. As of February 2025, her feeding sessions - designed to encourage diving - are progressing well, though her buoyancy issues persist and require ongoing therapy.

Despite these challenges, Nooru glides gracefully through the waters at the ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, maintaining a healthy appetite and her lively, spirited nature.

To stay updated on our turtle patient’s recovery journey and to support our work, follow us on social media @cococaresmv.