Sea World Foundation marks World Sea Turtle Day with release of four Green Sea Turtles

The Sea World Foundation team has markedWorld Sea Turtle Day today by returning four rescued and rehabilitated Green Sea Turtles back to Moreton Bay.

The four turtles – Nalu, Padme, Nigel and Han were all rescued after being found floating in the Moreton Bay region in April and May.

After an initial veterinary assessment, the turtles spent several weeks rehabilitating at Sea World’s marine turtle hospital, before getting the clean bill of health and deemed ready to return.

Sea World Aquarist, Nikita Retsas said it was very wholesome to return Nalu, Padme, Nigel and Han on World Sea Turtle Day today noting “after all the care we have provided at Sea World over the past couple of weeks, it was amazing to return them to Moreton Bay and extra special to do it on World Sea Turtle Day.

“We always endeavour to return the turtles back to their geographic range and it was pleasing to see the four turtles head back to join the Moreton Bay turtle population.”

Sea World Veterinarian, Hannah Davies said it was incredible to see the four turtles go full circle from rescue admission to return adding “these four turtles were initially found floating by members of the public and were brought into our marine hospital for veterinary care where the team performed a physical exam, took blood samples and x-rays.

“Through our diagnostic tests, we found the turtles had gas in their gastrointestinal tracks causing them to float. Through their rehabilitation at Sea World, this gas passed allowing the turtles to return to their normal swimming abilities and they were ready to be returned.”

On average Sea World rescues between 80 turtles annually with many coming into care with injuries due to human interaction such as boat strikes, fishing line and netting entanglements, ingestion of discarded plastics, fishing lines and hooks or with hooks in their flippers.

Sea World Foundation is dedicated to understanding, protecting, and conserving the marine environment for future generations. Through research, rescue missions, and conservation activities, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health and sustainability of our oceans. For more information visit https://seaworldfoundation.com.au/