Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Treating An Influx of Sea Snakes

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 2, 2021 4:01 pm

One of the sea snakes is pictured in a tube which vets use for protection when treating them

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

A staggering number of sea snakes have been admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after being found washed up on a beach in Queensland.

The hospital has a state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation facility to allow them to care for the sea snakes being rescued.

A close-up view of one of the sea snakes which is being cared for at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

“Australian sea snake species live their entire life in the ocean and are not supposed to come to land at any stage during their life-cycle,” said Dr. Amber Gillett, Wildlife Veterinarian and Coordinator of Research at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

“The sea snakes that were brought to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital were found stranded on the beach, which is very abnormal for these animals, and were most likely sick or injured,” Dr. Gillett said.

“When sea snakes wash ashore, they can pose a risk to human health and safety because they are highly venomous. If people find sea snakes on the beach, they should not touch them under any circumstances, and instead call the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit or a local wildlife rescue group who will transport the animal to the nearest wildlife hospital,” she said.

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Each of the sea snakes admitted to the hospital presented with a different injury or trauma. These included a fractured jaw, cancer, being overburdened by parasites and chronic illnesses.

Unfortunately some of these snakes were humanely euthanized as their injuries were too severe. The others are currently in the care of Dr. Amber Gillett and the rest of the experienced team at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

Vets provide care to a sea snake at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

“Australia has the most species of sea snakes than anywhere in the world! They are fascinating, beautiful and graceful creatures with many amazingly unique and highly specialised adaptations that allow them to live in saltwater,” finished Dr. Gillett.

Sea snakes face a range of threats in the wild. They are often victims of trawling, boat strikes, diseases and environmental or habitat change.