The team from SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium has successfully released four rescued and rehabilitated green sea turtles back into the ocean at Mooloolaba Beach.
The quadruple release comes ahead of Clean Up for the Hatchlings on Saturday, 4 February 2023. This is a free event on Mooloolaba Beach run by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with ReefCheck Australia, Unitywater and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. It is designed to inspire the whole community to come together to help clean up Sunshine Coast beaches in preparation for the hatchling turtles.
The four green sea turtles are named Jake, Luna, Goku and Cavill. They came into the care of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast from August to November last year thanks to Coolum Coast Care, Turtle Care and Noosa Council.
Jake was found floating in the water offshore at Teewah Beach. He received treatment to help move the gas build up. Luna was also found on Teewah Beach lethargic and anaemic. Goku was found washed up at Marcus Beach covered in marine leeches and burrowing barnacles. Cavill was found washed up at Dicky Beach with an infected carapace.
Rehabilitated turtle entering the water at Mooloolaba beach. Source: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
“It’s such an amazing feeling to have four turtles going back out into the ocean at once. It’s such a great way to start the year. It’s always bittersweet to release the turtles that we have cared for as we get so attached to them. But it’s certainly a win for the species,” said Brittany Attwood from SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
All four turtles have undergone extensive rehabilitation at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Centre and were deemed ready for release on Mooloolaba Beach by the veterinarians. Last year was one of the biggest years for the aquarium’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. With 74 adult and 44 hatchlings being cared for by the team throughout 2022.
Related Stories
First little blue penguin chicks hatch at Sea Life Sunshine Coast
Turtley awesome family holiday in Queensland at Mon Repos
The best dolphin experiences in south-east Queensland
People who come across a sick or injured sea turtle in the wild are encouraged to report it immediately to the Queensland marine stranding hotline on 1300 130 372.
Visitors to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast can purchase a ticket for the Behind the Scenes Tour to see what goes on in the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Guests can also discover a range of other marine and freshwater creatures at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. This includes sharks, rays, little blue penguins and more.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast team prepares to release rehabilitated turtles at Mooloolaba Beach. Source: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
