Turtles released after lengthy rehab
Three rescued turtles have been released into the ocean after a lengthy rehabilitation at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in
Auckland.
The loggerhead, eastern Pacific green, and green sea turtles, named Puck, Taka and Delta, were released at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve by members of the aquarium’s ‘Team Turtle’ members, alongside kaumātua from Ngāti Wai, and students from Te Kura o Waikare.
The turtle trio was discovered between mid-2020 and late 2021 in critically ill health. They were all taken to Auckland Zoo’s veterinary hospital, and then to Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium for rehabilitation.
The smallest, Puck, was discovered as a hatchling on Ninety Mile Beach weighing just 180 grams and measuring 9cm – the same size as a banana.
He was covered in large goose barnacles and a hitch-hiking crab. He is now a healthier 2.2kg.
Taka was found on Takapuna beach and had pnuemonia, a system infection and a bone infection in his front left flipper.
He weighed 26kg when found, but has since doubled his weight.
Delta was found on Piha beach and was covered in algae, with suspected cold shock – a decrease in heart rate and circulation which can lead to lethargy, frostbite and death.
She arrived weighing 9.8kg, but now weighs 14kg.
Auckland Zoo vet nurse
Celine Campana said the three turtle species were all endangered in the wild.
‘‘It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to work together with [the Department of Conservation] and Kelly Tarlton’s to give these individual animals a second chance at life,’’ she said.
‘‘These are also very longlived marine species so, given the right conditions out there in the wild, each of these three animals has the opportunity to go on and reproduce and contribute to the future of its species population, which is what we all hope they’ll get to do.’’
Kelly Tarlton’s curator Andrew Christie said turtle releases were a rewarding experience.
‘‘It’s always a bittersweet occasion when we release turtles back into the ocean after dedicating so much time and effort into rehabilitating them,’’ he said.
‘‘Of course it is unavoidable that the team develop strong bonds and really care for these turtles, so today is full of mixed emotions as we say goodbye to our friends, but know that we release them with the best chance for them to thrive in the wild and live long healthy lives.’’
People are urged to report injured or stranded turtles to the Department of Conservation emergency hotline on 0800
362 428.
This is a Public Interest Journalism-funded role through NZ On Air