Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has released a green turtle back into the wild after it escaped two near-death experiences.
The release was conducted in conjunction with Sea World to celebrate the recent World Turtle Day 2023 (23 May).
Ranger at the QPWS, Natalie Sands said the juvenile turtle was extremely lucky, and upon its release at Cabbage Tree Point, it was given some stern advice.
“We told the turtle that we didn’t want to see it in rehabilitation again, and hopefully that will turn out to be the case,” Ms Sands said.
“The turtle first stranded at Jacobs Well, in southern Moreton Bay, on 2 October 2016, when it was entangled in a hook and fishing line.”
She said that at this time it was taken to Sea World where the hook and fishing line were removed and after spending 23 days in rehabilitation, it was fitted with a titanium tag on its flipper.
“On 5 October 2022, almost six years to the day after its first stranding, the turtle was found floating in a netted swimming enclosure next to the Jacobs Well Volunteer Marine Rescue base,” Ms Sands said.
“The turtle was in poor health, with a large, healing boat strike wound on its carapace, it had a missing rear flipper and it needed urgent attention.”
She said the tag on its flipper provided Sea World staff with its unfortunate back story of previous rehabilitation, and it was given anti-parasitic medication and antibiotics.
“The turtle also had an abscess which needed to be treated, and it underwent regular x-rays to check for internal issues. Seven months after being rescued and rehabilitated again, it was assessed as being strong and healthy enough to be released,” the ranger said.
Ms Sands said releasing marine animals back into the wild was extremely satisfying, but also a reminder of the threats faced by marine animals.
“The fact this turtle stranded twice shows the impact lost or discarded fishing equipment can have, and it is very lucky because most boat strikes on turtles are fatal,” she said.
