Today, the loggerhead turtle Čiko has been transferred from our Reptile Rehabilitation Center to Brijuni National Park, where he will continue his recovery in the summer outdoor tank.

The rehabilitation tank at Brijuni National Park is 7 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 4 meters deep, making it an optimal environment due to its size, which provides ample space for swimming. This helps Čiko strengthen the muscles needed for a successful return to the wild. Additionally, Čiko will independently hunt and feed on invertebrates that he would normally find in the sea. Along with the staff from the aquarium and Brijuni National Park, Čiko was accompanied to Brijuni by the family of Dr. Anton Weissenbacher, a curator from Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo.

Recall that Čiko was found on November 23, 2023, floating in the bay of Sali, Dugi Otok, with head injuries likely caused by a propeller strike. He arrived at our Rehabilitation Center a few days later with severe malnutrition, buoyancy issues, and head and shell injuries.

Čiko’s return to the sea is planned for the fall.