Record Number of Sea Turtles Treated at Australia Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 24, 2021 1:59 am

Lucy is one of the sea turtles being cared for at the Australian Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is caring for a record number of green sea turtles with fourteen currently being cared for at the hospital.

Each of the turtles has come in to the hospital with a different ailment including boat strikes, entanglement in fishing line, floating syndrome of ingestion of plastic.

Pumpkin is one of the sea turtles being cared for at the Australian Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Marine Biologist and Turtle Supervisor at the Wildlife Hospital, Jacob Bowtell explained the conditions which caused two green sea turtles to be brought to the hospital.

“Archelon was originally struck by a boat which caused a tear in her lungs, but thankfully she recovered and was cleared for release. On the other hand, little Viking ingested two fish hooks, and he will continue to receive treatment at our Turtle Rehabilitation Centre until the hooks are carefully removed,” said Bowtell.

Rubbish and debris which is floating through ocean currents will resemble food and may cause harm to these turtles. To help reduce this we must ensure less litter enters the ocean.

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The Founder of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, Terri Irwin encouraged everyone to be careful when disposing of rubbish.

“The threat to sea turtles can be greatly reduced if everyone discards fishing lines, metal hooks, and all other waste carefully, maintains the right speed limit on the water, and keeps an eye out for unsuspecting turtles,” said Irwin.

“The alarming number of turtles currently in the care of the hospital only makes it more important for us to make mindful and environmentally-friendly choices that will help these beautiful creatures survive and thrive in their natural habitat,” she said.

Six of the world’s seven sea turtle species are endangered. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has provided care to 1,500 sea turtles.

One of the fourteen green sea turtles being cared for at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is seen swimming.

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Learn more about Green Sea Turtles here – Green Sea Turtle Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Australia Zoo on their website – Australia Zoo