Sun, Sea, And Second Chances

A Sneak Peek At Turtle Rescue In Action

The splash of fins, the sight of a giant Manta Ray art piece and a warm welcome await you when visiting the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre (WTRC). At the centre, volunteers are currently caring for four rescued sea turtles, including a tiny hatchling, after two recent rescues and two releases last week – this follows a busy year of turtle rescues for the team at WTRC.

Sub-adult Green Turtle ‘Dawn’ Returned to Cannonvale Waters

The water was calm and glassy under the golden refraction of the afternoon sun. A crowd gathered in anticipation at Cannonvale Beach at 5 pm on December 12th. Dawn, a sub-adult green sea turtle, on the other hand, was ready and with steady, purposeful strokes, she glided gracefully back into the Coral Sea, marking a successful release by the WTRC team.

Dawn had first been spotted resting among the seagrass beds at Cannonvale Beach, a well-known feeding and basking zone for turtles. Concerned community members who noticed her promptly reported her.

After being brought into care for monitoring, health checks, and a gentle barnacle clean, Dawn showed no signs of illness or injury. Her behaviour confirmed what the team had initially suspected: she was basking.

“Many turtles are found resting between tides, soaking up the sun, regaining energy, and waiting for the next high tide to swim off again,” said founder of WTRC, Libby Edge.

“Dawn was a perfect reminder that not all turtles found on the shore are sick, but we always encourage people to call for advice so we can assess each situation safely.”

‘Miss T’ Released After Compassionate Care Journey

In contrast, Miss T, a juvenile green sea turtle, came into care in a very weak state. She was found near Whitehaven Beach by the crew of Scamper, covered in algae and struggling to survive.

After 1.5 months of supportive care at the WTRC, including nutrition support, monitoring, and rehabilitation, Miss T began eating independently and showing strong signs of recovery.
On Saturday, the 12th, the crew of Scamper transported her back by boat to Chance Bay near Whitehaven, where she was released to swim free once again.

New Hatchling Patient Arrives From Cape Hillsborough

Adding to the centre's busy week, a tiny sea turtle hatchling from Cape Hillsborough was admitted after being attacked by a seabird – a typical incident that occurs at the most vulnerable stage of its life cycle.

“The little one is receiving care to heal her wounds and regain strength. She will be released back at Cape Hillsborough on the next full moon, which is the moment hatchlings naturally follow the moonlight out to sea,” Libby explained.

New Rescue From Hay Point – Turtle Found Distressed With Parasites

As one door closes, another opens, and this holds true for sea turtles: another green sea turtle was rescued this week from Hay Point after being found distressed, swimming in circles, and suffering from fluke, a parasitic condition.

“She is now receiving treatment and monitoring from our experienced rescue team,” Libby stated.

Green Sea Turtles have been on our planet for 200 million years, with turtle fossils dating back 215 million years. The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre is here to ensure they live for many more years. Here is how you can help play your part too:

A Call to The Community – What to Do if You Find a Turtle
The WTRC would like to remind the community of the importance of reporting any sick, injured, distressed, or stranded turtles.

If you spot a turtle that appears unwell or is behaving unusually, please call:

• 1300 130 372 Marine Stranding Hotline or
• Eco Barge direct on (07) 4946 5198

The trained Turtle Response Team can guide you on what to do, how to keep the turtle safe, or how to transport the turtle into our care if needed.

The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, operated by Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc., continues its mission to care for sick and injured marine turtles and return them home to the Whitsundays.

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photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.

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