In 2020, Lara (Caretta caretta), who was found injured on Antalya Göynük beach and recovered after 1.5 years of treatment by DEKAMER (Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) with the support of Lara Barut Collection, was released to the sea on 20 July 2022 with a satellite tracking device after treatment. Lara's monitoring studies in the Mediterranean provided important information about the migration, feeding and breeding areas of sea turtles.

Lara swam in the Mediterranean Sea, travelling approximately 3,000 km during the monitoring period. Lara's journey map, which reached important feeding areas such as the Gulf of Gabes in Tunisia and Lake Bardavil in Egypt along her migration route, has been followed with interest by 232,537 people to date. Lara's story has inspired many people by reminding us of the importance of marine ecosystem protection and sustainable tourism.

As we have not received a signal from the satellite tracking device for a while, we believe that the battery of the device is now dead and we believe that Lara has embarked on a new journey in the depths of the seas.

Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska, a faculty member of Pamukkale University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, mentioned that Lara's monitoring studies provided important information about the migration routes of sea turtles and said, ‘Lara has been an important study to complete a lack of information in this respect’.

Lara's journey reminds us once again how precious the life in the seas is and that we need to do more to protect these creatures. Lara's story will always remain in our minds as a symbol of hope, resilience and the power of nature.

A Sweet Farewell: Lara's Journey