The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit recently rushed to the aid of a stranded green sea turtle on the beach, after she was found entangled in a crab pot.
The vulnerable-listed sea turtle, named Lady Trev, was transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for an emergency health examination.
Hospital supervisor and veterinarian Dr Ludo Valenza said the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit carried Lady Trev, who weighs 80 kilograms, for almost a kilometre in mudflats, to rescue her.
“Lady Trev had a full thickness constriction on her left fore flipper that extended to the bone. The trauma was very severe as the flipper was no longer functional, and the only way to save her life was to amputate the flipper,” she said.
After 10 hours of preparing, performing and recovering from surgery, our highly specialised team was able to successfully remove Lady Trev’s flipper.
“Lady Trev has been recovering splendidly since her surgery, and was transferred from an intensive care pool to a much larger pool within the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre,” Dr Valenza said.
“The sea turtle will remain in our care for the next few months so that we can continue to monitor her and ensure that she progresses the way she needs to before she is released back into the ocean where she belongs.“
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital continues to see an influx of patients admitted from human-related causes, particularly those that come from the ocean. This includes marine turtles that have been hit by boats, entangled in fishing line, or have ingested fishing hooks or plastics.
“It is important that we, as humans, do everything we can to protect our amazing oceans and the beautiful sea life that call it their home,” Dr Valenza said.
The threats to marine turtles in the wild can be greatly reduced by discarding fishing line, metal hooks, and all other waste correctly, maintaining the right speed limit on the water, and keeping an eye out for unsuspecting turtles.
With the support of Wildlife Warriors from around the world, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has treated more than 1500 sea turtles since opening its doors in 2004.
To find out more visit wildlifewarriors.org.au
