Mumbai, July 7 In just a span of three days, the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (BSPCA) has rescued two full-grown turtles, which the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) officials say could be the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Last week, the CMFRI officials visited BSPCA and observed that the large turtles with dark heart-shaped shells looked like Olive Ridleys. They have now taken photographs of the amphibians to conduct further research. Olive Ridely turtles, known for their group nesting activity on the shores of Orissa every winter, are listed as endangered in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) red list. According to Lt Colonel (Retd) JC Khanna, secretary of SPCA, "On June 29, some BMC officials from Juhu spotted the first turtle, a large 10 kg creature washed to the shores and called us. It was probably there for two days because it was very weak and hungry. One of its limb was severed, but the wounds were at least a few months old.' On July 1, another turtle was brought from the Colaba waters, off Cuffe Parade. This 12.5 kg animal had choked on a fishing hook and swept to the shore. "The amphibian was probably caught accidentally by some fisherman. When we found the turtle, it was in pain. We took an X-ray and found a hook stuck deep within its throat,' said Khanna. The animal had to undergo an hour-long surgery and is under treatment to fend off any secondary infection, according to the veterinary doctor who treated the turtle. "We didn't want to perform an abrasive surgery so the hook from its throat was removed manually. It was a very painstaking operation, but the turtle has responded well. We have put him on a series of antibiotics to prevent septic,' the doctor said. The two turtles have now got a new home. An obsolete bathtub donated to the animal hospital has been filled with water mixed with 250 gm salt to create a sea-like ambiance. "Both eat well and have to be fed with sea-water fish at least thrice a day as per the CMFRI official's advice,' said Khanna. Dr Vinay Deshmukh, principal scientist of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI said, "Primary observations indicate that the turtles are Olive Ridley, but we are now studying the amphibians further and will confirm soon.' Deshmukh pointed out that while Olive Ridleys are most common on the east coast, there have been records of the turtles nesting in Ratnagiri and even in Mumbai at the Raj Bhavan beach during winter. "However, it is strange that they are being washed to the shore in the monsoon this year,' he said, adding that while the turtles are usually strong enough to navigate the currents, pollutants like plastic bags in the water could be a reason why they fall ill and drift to the shores. "The turtles mostly feed on algaes and could be gulping plastics accidentally.' In a similar incident, the critically endangered hawksbill turtle was found at the Malvan Coast last month and nursed to health by a local fisherman, said Deshmukh.