Nature Trust - FEE Malta Wildlife Rescue Team

Nature Trust - FEE Malta Wildlife Rescue Team Rescue and rehabilitation of injured protected wildlife in Malta and Gozo. Guided tours are STRICTLY by booking.

For guided tours of the Wildlife Rehab Centre in Xrobb L-GΔ§aΔ‘in Park, kindly email on [email protected]. The Wildlife Rescue Team is a branch of Nature Trust - FEE Malta, dealing with the rescue and rehabilitation of injured protected wildlife in Malta and Gozo. Our team is made up of volunteers covered by an ERA permit to handle wildlife, who dedicate a big part of their personal time fo

r the care of our animals. Protected wildlife that fall under our care include sea turtles, dolphins, hedgehogs, snakes, bats, chameleons, skinks, shrews, the Maltese weasel, the Maltese painted frog and the Maltese wild rabbit. All these species are protected by law, and our aim is to help in their conservation, as well as to raise awareness of which human activity impacts them in a negative way, and what each and every one of us can do to reduce these negative impacts.

5. The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)Leatherback are the largest of the sea turtles. They are the only sea tu...
13/06/2026

5. The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Leatherback are the largest of the sea turtles. They are the only sea turtle that lacks scales and a hard carapace. In fact, they get their name from their tough rubbery skin. When you see a Leatherback, you can truly see that they are descendants from dinosuars.

Leatherback are found swimming in the Mediterranean basin, however up till now, no Leatherback nests were ever reported in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

They are able to migrate extremely long distances to forage, with some tracked Leatherbacks even measured as moving up to 6,000Km away.

Status: Endangered / Vulnerable

Geographical Distribution: Alaska, New England/Mid Atlantic, West and Southest coast of U.S. (with a lot of nesting areas in Florida, Costa Rica and Virgin Islands), Pacific islands and Indian ocean.

Feeding: Soft-bodied prey including jellyfish and salps.
Size: Adults reach a length of 120-250cm (1.2-2.5m). Adult females weigh around 250-500Kg, whilst males can reach 900kg.

Lifespan: 50-100 years

Age at sexual maturity: 9-20 years.

πŸ“·Adele Claassens & Fordivers.com

4. The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)The Hawksbill turtle has one of the most beautiful carapaces. The intric...
12/06/2026

4. The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

The Hawksbill turtle has one of the most beautiful carapaces. The intricate mix of colours and patterns unfortunately make it very attractive for the jewellery industry, causing them to be hunted and killed for their shells. Today, the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) forbids the trade of any turtle products on the international market, including Hawksbill tortoise shell, but illegal hunting continues to represent a threat to the species in many parts of the world.

They are the only sea turtles that can survive on a diet made only of sea sponges.

Status: Critically Endangered.

Geographical Distribution: West Atlantic (Caribbean), Indian and Indo-Pacific Oceans.

Feeding: Sea sponges, seagrass, algae, soft coral and shellfish.

Size: Adults reach a length of 85cm and can weigh up to 45-68kg.

Lifespan: 105-135 years

Age at sexual maturity: 20-40 years.

πŸ“·NOAA Fisheries

3. The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)The name of this turtle is derived by the green colour of its carapace...
11/06/2026

3. The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

The name of this turtle is derived by the green colour of its carapace. They are currently the most abundant of the sea turtles.

The Olive Ridley is the second species of turtles where females participate in arribadas, where hundreds of females can crawl up on the beach on the same day to lay their eggs.

Arribadas are thought to increase chances of hatchlings surviving: the more there are at one go, the more confused predators become, and the more hatchlings make it out to deep sea.

Status: Endangered / Vulnerable

Geographical Distribution: Tropical and sub tropical waters.

Feeding: Crustaceans, Molluscs, Bryozoans (microscopic aquatic invertebrates that live in colonies) and algae.

Size: Adults reach a length of 30-60cm and can weigh up to 45kg.

Lifespan: 50 years

Age at sexual maturity: 10-18 years.

πŸ“· Wildlife Rescue Team Turtle Nest Coordinators

2. The Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)The Kemp's Ridley is the smallest of all sea turtles. It is the rarest ...
10/06/2026

2. The Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

The Kemp's Ridley is the smallest of all sea turtles. It is the rarest and the most endangered of the sea turtles. They are also the only species that as a norm nests during the day. It is also one of 2 species where females aggregate and go up to nest all together on the same day, a phenomenon known as arribada.

Status: Critically Endangered

Geographical Distribution: Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Atlantic seaboard (Florida up to New England).

Feeding: Crabs are their preferred food.

Size: Adults reach a length of 60cm and can weigh up to 45kg.

Lifespan: 30-50 years

Age at sexual maturity: Females 10-17 years, Males 11-30 years.

πŸ“· NOAA Fisheries

In the run-up to Sea Turtle Day (16th June), we will be posting every day posts with information about the different sea...
09/06/2026

In the run-up to Sea Turtle Day (16th June), we will be posting every day posts with information about the different sea turtles found in the World's Seas and Oceans.

1. The Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus)

The Flatback gets its name from the flat appearance of its carapace. It contrasts a lot with the curved carapace of the other sea turtle species. They are found only around the Australian continent.

Status: Vulnerable

Geographical Distribution: Australian Continental Shelf

Feeding: Carnivorous, eating mostly soft-bodied prey like soft coral, sea cucumbers, jellyfish and other invertebrates.

Size: Adults can reach 80-90cm long and weigh up to 100kg.

Lifespan: 100 years.

Age at sexual maturity: 7-50 years.

πŸ“·seeturtles.org

🌍 🌊 8th June - World Oceans Day 🌊 🌍The World Ocean Day 2026 Action Theme – Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue ...
08/06/2026

🌍 🌊 8th June - World Oceans Day 🌊 🌍

The World Ocean Day 2026 Action Theme – Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet – will guide global action over the coming years. It brings together the momentum of recent multi-year action themes – Catalyzing Ocean-Climate Action and Protecting at Least 30% of Lands, Waters, and Ocean by 2030 (30Γ—30) – and aligns powerfully with the recent ratification of the High Seas Treaty to protect biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

World leaders have committed to 30Γ—30 both within national waters and across the High Seas – an area covering two-thirds of the ocean and nearly one-half of Earth’s surface. Now they need to follow through!

These ocean waters regulate the climate, support extraordinary biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and hold untapped scientific and medical potential.

Creating strongly regulated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is essential to turning global commitments into real conservation outcomes. Implementation will require a powerful collective effort, accountability, and sustained public engagement – and if we work together, we can achieve this ambitious goal by 2030!

World Ocean Day helps unite the world each June! Join in and, together, we can accelerate progress and help create a global network of MPAs that restores ecosystems, builds resilience, and inspires hope for the future.

Source: worldoceanday.org

02/06/2026

Wow, this was one lucky snake! This Western whip snake (serp iswed) was spotted on Sunday near Ramla il-hamra having had its tail run over by a car πŸ˜ͺ our volunteer collected it and took it to our vet. Miraculously, it had only minor injuries πŸ™ after two days of rest and another checkup with the vet, the snake was released back in to the wild in Xaghra, not far from where it was found πŸ₯°πŸ

All 4 species of local snakes are NOT venomous to humans, snakes play a very important role in our local ecosystem as pest controllers because they eat rats and mice.

All of the animals that we rescue are protected species and it is illegal in Malta to harm them or keep them as pets.

Our volunteers have wildlife handling permits and training as well as equipment in order to rescue these creatures. If you spot any of the wild animals that we rescue injured or in danger, please call the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta on 99999505.

πŸ™ A massive thank you always goes to the public who call us when they notice an animal in distress, our vets, and our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation volunteers.

Our rehabilitation centre at Xrobb L-Ghagin in Malta is open to the public so that you can come and see the animals we have in rehab including Sea Turtles and Hedgehogs. Entrance is free (donations always welcome) however booking in advance is necessary, please contact [email protected] for more information.

We thank you in advance for your support and help πŸ’“πŸ’“

The Wildlife Rehab Project is carried out by Nature Trust - FEE Malta Nature Trust - FEE Malta Wildlife Rescue Team the Xrobb L-Ghagin Nature Park and Wildlife Rehab Centre and is supported by ERA - Environment & Resources Authority , Lottoland Malta , Melita , Megastore.com.mt and MIEMA - Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency

World Turtle & Tortoise Day - 23rd May World Turtle Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about tur...
23/05/2026

World Turtle & Tortoise Day - 23rd May

World Turtle Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about turtles and tortoises and their conservation needs.

This day emphasizes the importance of protecting these ancient reptiles and their habitats, as many species face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, illegal trade, and climate change.

It’s a time to celebrate turtles and tortoises, learn about their ecological significance, and take action to ensure their survival. The day encourages people to learn about the challenges these creatures face and to support efforts aimed at their conservation.

Turtles and tortoises have been on Earth for over 200 million years, but today, many species are endangered or critically endangered due to human activities. World Turtle Day promotes education, advocacy, and direct conservation actions to help protect these animals and their habitats.

You can also help us in our conservation work:
- call us immediately on our Emergency Line ☎️ +356 9999 9505 if you see a turtle in distress (always call before doing anything and follow the advice given until we arrive)
- donate towards their rehabilitation (BOV mobile on +35699999505 or Revolut on +35699441992)
- if you are on a beach, fill in holes, flatten sandcastles and do not leave trash behind. If you see a turtle emerging from the sea to nest, call us on our Emergency Line

The Wildlife Rehab Project is carried out by Nature Trust - FEE Malta at our Xrobb L-Għađin Rehabilitation Centre and is supported by the ERA, Lottoland, Melita, and MIEMA.

Late on Saturday afternoon, we were contacted by the Malta Red Cross , who were stationed in Little Armier, that there ...
17/05/2026

Late on Saturday afternoon, we were contacted by the Malta Red Cross , who were stationed in Little Armier, that there was a turtle in distress.

Upon arriving on location, it was obvious that the bigges challenge was going to be the sea conditions. The sea was quite rough with high waves.

After a short discussion between the lifeguards and our volunteers, one of our volunteers jumped in, with the lifeguards keeping a very close eye on her.

Getting the turtle was a challenge, but we managed. Swimming back in with the turtle proved to be the next hurdle, and here we really want to thank the lifeguards for also jumping in to help our volunteer. Thank you for making sure everyone remained safe.

The turtle, now named Red-X (for the Malta Red Cross), has been transferred to our rehabilitation centre for further vet assessment. She had ingested fishing line coming out of her mouth, which in turn was entangled with a 2m wooden log. We will need to first determine if there is a fishing hook inside, after which our vet will decide on a treatment plan.

All the animals we rescue are protected species and it is illegal in Malta to keep them as pets.

Our volunteers have wildlife handling permits and training as well as equipment in order to rescue these creatures. If you spot any of the wild animals that we rescue injured or in danger, please call the Wildlife Rescue Team on 99999505.

πŸ™ A massive thank you always goes to the public who call us when they notice an animal in distress, our vets, and our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation volunteers.

Donations are always welcome and can be sent by bank transfer or Revolut transfer on our Wildlife IBAN
MT18 VALL 2201 3000 0000 4002 353 8289 , Swift code VALLMTMT. BOV Mobile can be used on our Emergency Line 99999505.

We thank you in advance for your support and help πŸ’“πŸ’“

The Wildlife Rehab Project is carried out by Nature Trust - FEE Malta at our Xrobb L-Ghagin Nature Park and Wildlife Rehab Centre and is supported by the ERA - Environment & Resources Authority , Lottoland Malta , Melita , Megastore.com.mt and MIEMA - Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency

Data regarding the fishing debris will be taken by LIFE OASIS , a project funded by the NGO Co-Financing Fund (NCF), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.

Like every single year, on 1st of May we start our daily monitoring of 6 of our beaches for turtle nests.If you are at R...
02/05/2026

Like every single year, on 1st of May we start our daily monitoring of 6 of our beaches for turtle nests.

If you are at Ramla l-Hamra, Ghadira, Bajja tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay), Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera), Gnejna or Marsascala (Fajtata or San Tumas) early in the morning or late at night, you will probably encounter our volunteers patrolling.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask them. I can assure you we are very happy to share information.

You can also help, even if you are not a volunteer.

How?

Very simple.

1. Leave the beach clean. Dispose of your rubbish in bins, and if the bins are full, take with you and dispose of it properly πŸ—‘

2. After enjoying the beach, leave no hazards behind. If you have dug a hole, fill it in (at night holes/craters can pose a hazard to humans as well as turtles trying to nest). If you built a sandcastle, flatten it.

3. When possible, at night, use red light instead of white light.

If you have any queries, let us know. We are happy to answer your questions 😊



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Marsaxlokk

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 23:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 23:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 23:00
Thursday 08:00 - 23:00
Friday 08:00 - 23:00
Saturday 08:00 - 23:00
Sunday 08:00 - 23:00

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