A local identity, best known for his shy wink and graceful swimming style, has just waved us farewell forever. And those who love him hope he never returns again.
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Diamond, the endangered juvenile green sea turtle, has been living amongst us for the past 20 months after being found, injured and destitute, in the Wagonga Lake Inlet in August 2013. NPWS in Narooma were notified and he was brought to Merimbula, where his personal nurse became local WIRES volunteer, Janine Green.
“Diamond was described as a ‘floater’,” Janine explained. “This means he had an air pocket trapped between his body and shell which prohibited him from swimming properly or diving to depth to hunt for food.” These air pockets are typically caused by trauma, and it’s thought Diamond may have been hit by a boat or trapped in a net. “He was 6.2kg when we found him, and in bad condition,” Janine said. “He would not have survived in the wild.”
An X-ray at the Merimbula Veterinary Clinic confirmed the air pocket beneath his shell, and he was also treated for wounds on his neck and above his eye. He was then sent back to Janine’s rehabilitation tank for rest and recovery. Thankfully the air pocket dissipated, but Diamond was still in trouble. The wound on his neck got worse, resulting in a weeping infection. Diamond was returned to the veterinary clinic, where vet, Graham Collins undertook successful surgery.
Twelve months ago, Diamond was fit enough to move to the Merimbula Wharf Aquarium, where he was cared for by Michael McMaster. After being fattened up to 10kg on a hearty diet of seaweed, pilchards, squid and sea lettuce, Diamond was transferred to the big ocean tank two months ago. He cavorted with fellow inmates such as the tuna, built up fitness, and became accustomed to the outside water temperature. “He’s been ready for release for the last six months,” Janine said, “but we had to wait for summer conditions, and an ideal water temperature of 22 - 23 degrees, to finally let him go.”
Witnessed by fishermen, and applauded by fans and helpers, Diamond was returned to Mother Nature on Tuesday afternoon. Bearing a new tag by NPWS to help track his future, Diamond was carried across the ochre rocks of Long Point, to the edge of the sea. One moment we had a turtle, the next just a big splash. With a wave of a fin, he was gone.
