July 24, 2026
As part of the Turtle-In Academy in the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia, participants immersed themselves in an intensive program combining veterinary science, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation practice. Through hands-on training and close collaboration with experts, the Academy provided a unique opportunity to develop practical skills essential for the rescue, care and protection of Mediterranean sea turtles.
Representing MEDASSET, Scientific Officer Alexandra Panagiotou delivered practical training sessions on sea turtle behavior, environmental enrichment and welfare assessment, introducing participants to the principles of animal welfare science and their application in sea turtle rehabilitation.
Learning through practice
Throughout the program, veterinary students, marine biologists and conservation practitioners worked alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians and rehabilitation staff, gaining first-hand experience in the clinical management of injured and recovering sea turtles.
Participants conducted comprehensive health assessments, including physical examinations, body condition scoring and welfare evaluations, while learning how these procedures guide rehabilitation and release decisions.
They also observed and assisted in the collection of biological samples, including blood and genetic material, contributing to veterinary diagnostics and ongoing conservation research.
A key focus of the Academy was equipping participants with practical techniques used in sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation.
Participants learned safe handling and restraint methods that prioritise animal welfare during clinical examinations, transport and research activities. They also gained experience with conservation technologies such as flipper tagging, PIT tagging and transmitter attachment, learning how these tools help scientists monitor sea turtle movements, migration and post-release survival.
Behavioral observations formed another important component of the training, allowing participants to assess rehabilitation progress, evaluate welfare and understand how environmental enrichment can encourage natural behaviors that support recovery.
During dedicated practical sessions led by MEDASSET, participants explored how enrichment strategies can improve the welfare of rehabilitating sea turtles and discussed the role of behavioral science in conservation practice.
Understanding the full rehabilitation process
The Academy also introduced participants to the clinical aspects of wildlife medicine through veterinary demonstrations of diagnostic and surgical procedures.
They participated in necropsies of deceased sea turtles to better understand anatomy, pathology, causes of mortality and the conservation threats facing Mediterranean populations. In addition, they gained practical experience in daily rehabilitation husbandry, including enclosure management, feeding protocols and routine welfare monitoring.
The program concluded with a visit to the floating sea turtle rehabilitation center, where participants exchanged knowledge with local conservation professionals and explored innovative approaches to rehabilitation and animal care. Lastly, students participated in attaching transmitters to healthy rehabilitated sea turtles and releasing them back into the wild.
By combining veterinary expertise, scientific knowledge and practical conservation experience, the Turtle-In Academy empowered participants with the skills needed to contribute to the long-term protection of Mediterranean sea turtles.
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