endangered sea turtle released back into the ocean after rehab

(Sydney - 23rd May 2021) - An endangered green sea turtle is back in the ocean where she belongs – her release off Sydney’s coast a critical step for the future of the species.

Nellie the green sea turtle was found looking unwell by an Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast (ASRCC) diver at Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly in mid-April. After being rescued and undergoing a health check, the team found she had a heavy barnacle load and fluid under her shell.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) provided critical resources including a heater to help with her rehabilitation. Heaters are crucial to a sea turtle’s recovery because, being reptiles, they require warmer water temperatures to increase their immunity. The heaters also allow for the temperature to be stabislised and, when the turtle is ready, to be slowly decreased to match ocean temperature.

After being in care for just over a month, Nellie was released at Shelly Beach in Manly on Sunday, May 16.

“It’s always a bittersweet moment to see them released,” ASRCC co-ordinator Robert Olive said.

“We are sad to see them leave because you do grow attached but it’s heartwarming seeing them back in the ocean where they belong. Because green sea turtles are an endangered species it’s even more important for them to get back out there so they can hopefully breed.”

IFAW joined the ASRCC team for Nellie’s release – which Nellie was more than ready for – flapping her flippers before she returned to the ocean.

“It was truly a heartwarming moment to see Nellie so excited to get back to the ocean where she belongs,” IFAW Oceania Animal Rescue Officer Nicole Rojas Marin said.

“Sea turtles are up against a lot – with pollution from plastics, oil spills and fishing lines and climate change, so Nellie’s successful rescue, rehabilitation and release is so crucial for the future of her species.”