KADABRA, the green sea turtle, has been released back into the ocean after being found stranded on rocks near Mallabula.
Kadabra was found by a member of the public, who called for help.
Ryan Pereira, founder of both Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and Sea Shelter, said the Sea Shelter team initially feared the worst.
“We thought she was dead when we first went down,” Mr Pereira said.
“Kadabra had infected eyes and was in poor condition. Her symptoms were similar to those seen in turtles during last year’s mass mortality event.”
The team believes she became sick and was pushed onto the rocks by the current.
After several weeks in Sea Shelter’s care, Kadabra recovered enough to be released at Worimi National Park.
She has been microchipped so she can be identified if she is found again.
“We try to get them out as quickly as we can, ” Mr Pereira said.
The team has also recently released sea snakes.
Dr Tom Tran, a vet with Irukandji and Port Stephens Koala Hospital, had a warning for anyone who finds one on a beach.
Sea snakes do not normally come onto a beach, and one that does may need help. People should not touch it or put it back in the water, Dr Tran said.
“Sea snakes are venomous, so the safest thing to do is keep clear and call Irukandji to assess the animal,” he said.
Sea Shelter is a non-profit organisation that rescues and rehabilitates marine animals in the region.
Anyone able to help with funding or other support can contact the team through Irukandji or visit the Sea Shelter website.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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