Injured Sea Turtle Rescued Near Los Ancones in Lanzarote
An injured sea turtle has been rescued near Los Ancones, close to Costa Teguise, after a member of the public raised the alarm.
The rescue took place on Tuesday, 25 August, when emergency crews from the Lanzarote Security and Emergencies Consortium responded to a report of an injured marine turtle in the Los Ancones area of Teguise.
According to reports from local authorities, the firefighters located the turtle with apparent injuries and carefully secured and collected the animal before transporting it to the fire service facilities.
The turtle was then kept under observation while environmental personnel from the Cabildo de Lanzarote arranged for its transfer to a specialist wildlife recovery facility.
Another reminder of the dangers facing Lanzarote’s sea turtles
The rescue highlights the continuing risks faced by marine turtles around Lanzarote and the Canary Islands.
Sea turtles can be injured by fishing lines, ropes, nets, plastic waste and other marine debris. They can also suffer injuries through accidental capture, collisions with boats and the ingestion of fishing equipment or plastic.
The Canary Islands’ Marine Turtle Conservation Programme identifies entanglement in fishing nets, nylon lines, ropes and plastics among the principal causes of accidents involving sea turtles.
This is particularly relevant during the summer months, when the number of injured marine animals requiring assistance can increase.
Lanzarote’s wildlife rescue service
The Cabildo de Lanzarote’s wildlife rescue service plays an important role in responding to injured and vulnerable animals across the island.
In recent months, the service has dealt with a variety of cases involving injured wildlife, including marine turtles and seabirds. The Cabildo reported more than 20 wildlife interventions during April and May 2026 alone, involving animals found injured, trapped or otherwise at risk.
Earlier this summer, two rescued sea turtles were successfully returned to the ocean at Playa de Guacimeta following months of specialist care and rehabilitation in Lanzarote.
These successful releases demonstrate why reporting an injured animal quickly can make such a difference.
What should you do if you find an injured turtle in Lanzarote?
For anyone living in or visiting Lanzarote, knowing what to do if an injured sea turtle is found could help prevent further harm.
The Cabildo advises people to report injured or vulnerable wildlife rather than attempting to deal with the animal themselves.
The current wildlife rescue service can be contacted on 696 733 177, while emergencies can also be reported through 112.
If you encounter an injured turtle:
- Keep people and dogs away from the animal.
- Keep it somewhere shaded and quiet while waiting for professional assistance, where this can be done safely.
- Avoid unnecessary handling or moving the turtle.
- Do not attempt to remove fishing hooks, lines, ropes or other material unless instructed by trained personnel.
- Follow the instructions given by the emergency or wildlife rescue service.
Environmental authorities stress that inappropriate handling can worsen an animal’s injuries or cause additional stress.
Protecting marine life around Lanzarote
The waters surrounding Lanzarote and the Canary Islands are home to a wide variety of marine wildlife. Keeping beaches, coastal areas and the ocean free from rubbish is one simple way residents and visitors can help protect it.
Fishing line, discarded rope, plastic bags and other waste can remain in the marine environment for long periods and pose a serious danger to turtles and other animals.
For tourists enjoying the beaches and coastline around Costa Teguise, Los Ancones and the rest of Lanzarote, the message is simple: take rubbish home, dispose of fishing equipment responsibly and never leave plastic or other waste behind.
The rescue near Los Ancones is another example of how members of the public and emergency services can work together to give vulnerable wildlife a better chance of survival.
A small action can make a big difference
If you spot an injured sea turtle or other wild animal in Lanzarote, don’t assume someone else will report it.
A quick call to the appropriate service can bring trained personnel to the scene and ensure the animal receives the specialist care it needs.
Lanzarote wildlife rescue: 696 733 177
Emergency services: 112
