In pics: Actor Alia Bhatt releases ‘Queen’, dehydrated turtle, into sea in Mumbai

The turtle was dehydrated and infested with leeches when it was brought to the rescue centre by the WCAWA volunteers from Chinchani

Actor Alia Bhatt visited a turtle rescue centre in Dahanu, run by Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association (WCAWA), and helped its volunteers release a green sea turtle ‘Queen’ back into the sea on Sunday. The turtle was undergoing treatment at the centre, which is affiliated with the Dahanu forest division, after being rescued from Chinchani beach, Dahanu, a couple of months ago.

Alia Bhatt at the rescue centre in Mumbai. (Dr Dinesh Vinherkar)

Alia Bhatt when the turtle is being released. (Dr Dinesh Vinherkar)

“As it was Mother’s Day on Sunday, it was appropriate for us to release Queen so that it could reunite with Mother Nature,” said Dr Dinesh Vinherkar, veterinary surgeon and WCAWA member, who treated Queen.

Alia Bhatt in action at Dahanu. (Dr Dinesh Vinherkar)

He added that the turtle was dehydrated and infested with leeches when it was brought to the rescue centre by the WCAWA volunteers from Chinchani. It weighed 90 kg.

“She [Queen] was administered antibiotics and was kept under observation round-the-clock. She responded well to the treatment. Appropriate care and diet expedited her recovery” said Vinherkar.

Commenting on the actor’s involvement, he added that roping a young celebrity, who loves animals, sends the right message to the younger generation about the importance of conservation and protection of species. The actor left the spot, without addressing the media, after releasing the turtle back into the sea.