Australia Zoo Releases Rescued Green Sea Turtle

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 6, 2020 12:50 pm

Lucky the sea turtle before his release

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Robert Irwin, with the assistance of Queensland Police, has released a green sea turtle which was rehabilitated at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

Lucky was found stranded on Stradbroke Island off the coast of Queensland. When he was found he was cold and lifeless.

He was rushed to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for emergency help. Following an examination vets determined that he had old injuries to the flipper and shell along with a new injury to the top of his head. Despite these it was determined he had not suffered major trauma and would make a full recovery.

Robert Irwin with Lucky the sea turtle before the release

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

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Dr Rosie Booth, Chief of Staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, said it was incredibly rare to see a sea turtle of this size. “Little Lucky is a yearling green sea turtle that got left behind from last year’s hatchlings. Normally he would have caught the East Australian Current to South and Central America with all his brothers and sisters. After a few years they return to Australian shores to eventually breed when they are in their twenties.”

Lucky spent a few days in intensive care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. He was provided with pain relief and antibiotics to prevent infection. After he was back to his ‘turtley’ awesome self he moved to Sea Life Sunshine Coast where he could complete his recovery. After a few more weeks of care here he was ready to return to the wild.

For his release Lucky needed to be taken away from the shore so Australia Zoo turned to the Queensland Water Police. With their ocean expertise and equipment they were able to find a successful release spot.

Six of the world’s seven sea turtle species are considered endangered. The Australia Zoo wildlife hospital has treated 1,500 sea turtles which commonly present at the hospital following boat strikes or fishing line entanglement.