A team from the Environment Ministry and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have rescued a turtle found bound to a tree at Gaaun'doodhoo, an inhabited island in R. Atoll.

The team discovered the turtle while visiting the island for research purposes on Tuesday morning.

The turtle was found on its back, bound by its flippers to a tree with rope. The research team believes it was left there by poachers to be killed at a later time.

At a conference held on Tuesday, they speculated the turtle was caught and bound after it climbed ashore onto the island to lay its eggs.

According to the Director-General of the Environment Ministry, Mohamed Zahir, this was an act of brutality that will not be tolerated. He condemned the act, highlighted that this is a criminal offense. He added that the ministry will investigate the matter to catch the perpetrators and take legal action against them.

The team was led by the ministry’s Executive Director General, Ahmed Mujuthaba. The Director-General contacted by individual members of the team to inquire about the incident and extend his appreciation as well.

The Ministry stressed that they will take action against the poachers.