WE SEE WEE SHELLS BY THE SEA SHORE
FIVE tiny new additions have come to Barwon Heads’ Jirrahlinga Koala and
Wildlife Sanctuary, hatching out of a dirt mound in their enclosure.
Head keeper Jack Gatto said it was a very special experience, being a witness to the baby eastern long neck turtles emerging.
“It’s the first one that I’ve been a part of, and seen,” Mr Gatto said.
“It was pretty amazing, getting to witness that.
“It means the animals are happy and healthy when they’re breeding.
“It means they are well looked after.”
He said seeing animals thrive was one of the reasons he loved doing his job.
“The best moments, being a keeper, are educating children and people who don’t know much about animals and conservation,” Mr Gatto said.
“There’s no better job than being able to work with animals and teach people.”
Although the turtles are still “very, very new” and fragile at a month old, Mr Gatto said they were progressing really well and growing fast.
“They’re not as tiny as what they used to be,” he said.
“They’re fragile still, though.
“They won’t be on show until they double or triple in size … in about another two months.”
Mr Gatto said the little creatures did not have names yet due to their small size, making it difficult to distinguish between them, but the sanctuary was open to ideas.
“If anyone wants to contact us with a suggestion, they can send us a Facebook message,” he said.