The heart-warming story of the blue tortoise in Croatia

(Photo: Krka National Park)

Krka National Park in Croatia has shared an incredible story of recovery and return to the wild of a Hermann’s tortoise.

A severely injured Hermann’s tortoise was found last month on a road in Kistanje in the Dalmatian hinterland.

The tortoise, named Fenix Krka, was discovered by the director of Krka National Park, Nella Slavica, and expert guide Gordana Goreta, who immediately took it to a vet.

After nearly a month of care, Fenix recovered and was released back into her natural habitat with a symbolic new name.

The tortoise’s shell, repaired with blue dental material, now bears a distinctive colour, symbolising her recovery.

(Photo: Krka National Park)

Visitors and locals are urged not to remove this blue material if they see her, as it is part of her protection.

Krka National Park invites anyone who spots Fenix in the wild to take a photo and report it to the park, where they will receive a small reward. 

(Photo: Krka National Park)

Special thanks were extended to the More veterinary clinic for their expertise in saving Fenix’s life. The park hopes Fenix’s story encourages people to help injured animals, contributing to biodiversity preservation.

The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a protected species in Croatia, known for its longevity and adaptability to the Mediterranean climate.

(Photo: Krka National Park)

While they have few natural predators, they are often threatened by human activities, such as traffic and garden tools. Illegal poaching and habitat loss have made the species vulnerable, with strict laws protecting them.

They hibernate in winter and emerge in spring, a time when they are most vulnerable to human impact.

Krka National Park wishes Fenix a long, healthy, and injury-free life!

Email for Krka National Park is: [email protected]