Two turtles, Fajju and Johnny were returned to their natural habitat this morning following eight months of rehabilitation by Nature Trust at the San Lucjan Rehabilitation Centre in Marsaxlokk.

The two loggerhead turtles had been rescued by the Armed Forces of Malta after they were reported injured by fisherman.

Johnny had been injured with a fish hook while Fajju had a front flipper entangled in plastic. The flipper had to be amputated.

The turtles were released at Gnejna in the presence of secondary schoolchildren from six schools taking part in the Eco Skola "Young reporters for the environment programme", through which students are encouraged to look into environmental problems, investigate their causes and come up with recommendations for solutions.

The event included the participation of the Armed Forces of Malta, Air Malta and the ministers for the environment and rural affairs.

It was followed by talks on wildlife rescue, turtle rehabilitation, waste on beaches and jellyfish sighting programme.

NT president Vince Attard said that another four turtles were currently being rehabilitated at San Lucjan – three loggerheads and one green. The latter was very rare in the Mediterranean.