The turtle had been cared for by a Sea Bird and Sea Turtle Rescue Group carer for two days before being transferred to Janine Green at WIRES in Merimbula.

Janine Green is a qualified veterinary nurse that has gained experience with turtles at the Townsville Turtle Hospital.

The turtle was found severely underweight with parasitic and vegetative growth on its shell.

It is suspected that the turtle was caught in a cold current which would have shocked the animal into inaction, causing a loss of appetite, loss of energy and starvation.

The turtle was placed on a drip to rehydrate and recieved an X-ray checking for internal problems such as; plastic bags, air bubbles, blockages or tumours – nothing was found to be out of place. 

To remove barnacles and enteromorpa (plant growth) on its shell, the turtle was placed in fresh water.

Heaters were used to raise the water temperature to 23 – 24 degrees celsius in order to help stimulate the turtle’s appetite.

Once the turtle showed signs of recovery, it was force fed via a syringe with a mixture of blended spinach and squid.

The turtle has been transferred into a shallow tank containing seawater that is changed every two days.

Once the turtle has gained full recovery, it will be released back into the East Australian Current off Montague Island or Bermagui.