Report and pics by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SP)
 
Udupi, Feb 5: A rare, huge turtle that was caught by the local fishermen while fishing in the Arabian Sea was released into Sri Krishna Math’s Madhwa Sarovar here on Tuesday February 3.
 
Sri Laxmivarateerta Swami of Shiroor Math released this sea turtle into the Madhwa Sarovar here on Tuesday February 3 morning. 

The turtle is unique among the species of sea turtles with a distinguished decorative shell, and appears to belong to a species that is on the verge of extinction.  This unique turtle was rarely spotted in the Indian Ocean, and it might have ventured into Arabian Sea, in order to lay its eggs on the Indian west coast here.  The sea turtles usually arrive at the same shores where they were hatched before finding their way into the sea.  However, this turtle might have lost its way while retreating and ended up in the fishermen's net at Arabian Sea. The fishermen handed over their prized catch to the Math authorities. 
 
This huge turtle feeds on vegetation on sea bed and small fishes, said Poornaprajna College retired principal Dr N A Madhyasta, briefing the media persons.
 
It was released into the Sarovar here, after taking its care for two days in a water tank.