Celebrating our work & nature

A Very Rare Visitor at Turtle Napoli

Remarkable Rescue Story Begins at Turtle Point! We’re thrilled to introduce Saphira, a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and a very rare visitor to our Mediterranean waters. Her journey is one of resilience, recovery—and a powerful reminder of why protecting our oceans matters.
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Wiem Boussellaa
Post Doc, Stazione Zoologica Anton dohrn di Napoli SZN
A Very Rare Visitor at Turtle Napoli
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A Very Rare Visitor at Turtle Point Portici! 🐢
Saphira, our young *Lepidochelys kempii* (Kemp’s ridley sea turtle), is finally getting better! After days of care, she has started passing large amounts of plastic and marine litter in her feces, and she’s now eating normally again. 💚
Soon, we’ll share photos of the debris removed from her body—yet another reminder of how dangerous plastic pollution is for these charismatic and critically endangered animals.
👉 Kemp’s ridley turtles are the most threatened sea turtle species in the world. This is only the **second time** Turtle Point has hosted one—the first was in 2014. Finding one in the Mediterranean is extremely rare and offers a unique opportunity for research and conservation.
Saphira’s story shows that **every one of us can make a difference**: reducing plastic use and protecting our seas is essential to ensure a future for these extraordinary creatures. 🌊✨
📍 Welcome, Saphira! Stay tuned for updates and to learn how you can help us fight marine pollution.
Go to the profile of Wiem Boussellaa
Wiem Boussellaa (She/Her)
Post Doc, Stazione Zoologica Anton dohrn di Napoli SZN

Wiem Boussellaa is a dedicated marine biologist researcher from Tunisia, specializing in marine conservation and the management of marine ecosystems. With a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Wiem has contributed significantly to projects aimed at preserving marine life. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy, their work focuses on the energy expenditure and ecology of sea turtles during swimming. Wiem has held key roles in various marine conservation projects, including the Life MedTurtles project at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax and the Deep Blue project with OGS. As a member of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) and a project manager for the Tunisian Taxonomy Association (ATUTAX), Wiem has actively participated in the fight against ghost fishing and has been instrumental in developing a National Code of Conduct for Ghost Gear Management in Tunisia. Throughout their career, Wiem has authored several publications on marine ecosystems and conservation and has been recognized for several innovative contributions to the field. With extensive experience in project management, scientific research, and international collaboration, they continue to drive impactful conservation efforts within the Mediterranean region. 

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