Center for the rescue, care and rehabilitation of marine turtles
Seas and oceans represent an immense and valuable resource for our planet: they produce oxygen, regulate the climate, and host rich biodiversity.
However, the seas are as vast as the threats that loom over them: excessive and reckless human activities pollute them with wastewater, oil, pesticides, and plastics of all kinds; climate change is causing an increase in their acidity levels, while overfishing and illegal fishing, combined with fish farming, further strain the ecosystem.
Once again this year, for Christmas, FPZ has chosen to support an association committed to sustainability: Cetacea Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1988 with the goal of protecting the marine ecosystem, particularly the Adriatic Sea.
About Cetacea Foundation
Thanks to the support of biologists, veterinarians, naturalists, and volunteers, Fondazione Cetacea is dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of marine creatures, especially turtles and cetaceans.
The Foundation has been operating for over 30 years at its center in Riccione, where, to date, it has rehabilitated and released more than 1,000 turtles back into the wild, while also collecting valuable data on the health of the sea.
Moreover, Fondazione Cetacea is officially recognized as a Research Entity at the national level and as an Environmental Education Center by the Emilia-Romagna Region, conducting research activities and various projects in collaboration with Italian and international entities.
The latest project, which started in 2024 and is set to conclude in 2026, aims to protect the Adriatic Sea ecosystems from underwater noise pollution.
Enrico’s story
FPZ has also symbolically adopted Enrico, a loggerhead turtle rescued in critical condition in July after being spotted by some tourists.
At the time of the rescue, Enrico had four deep wounds (three on his shell and one on his head), and once at the Recovery Center, he had to be force-fed for a period. However, after a few months, thanks to the care he received and his very tenacious temperament, he has started swimming, diving, and most importantly, eating on his own again.
