Wildlife Officers with the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have inspected the health of 11 turtles at a rehabilitation centre on Quoin Island near Gladstone.
The inspection was conducted amid concerns about the centre’s operation.
In a statement, DES said its officers, along with those from other Agencies, went to the facility to investigate reports of potential breaches of the facility’s responsibilities, animal welfare, and to ensure veterinary standards complied with relevant legislation and codes of practice.
“An independent veterinarian assessed the turtles at the Quoin Island facility to determine their health and viability,” the Department said.
“Whilst initial indications are that the turtles remain healthy, changes will need to be made to the way the centre operates.”
It said the veterinarian would also provide the requirements for the future care of the turtles, and a plan to eventually release any healthy animals back into the wild.
“The veterinarian will continue an assessment and provide a report,” the Department said.
“The wellbeing of wildlife and ensuring those caring for wildlife are doing the right thing is the Department’s top priority.”
It said DES was conducting the operation jointly with Queensland Health, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland.
