Rehabilitation of our 1st Turtle in our new home
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is now in its brand new location 2 Jessie Rd Anna Bay 2316 which means we have a new home! Sea Shelter is currently operating out of Irukandji’s Quarantine area (temporarily before our hospital is ready in a year or so) As a result we now have access to a number of large pools with all the equipment and are now rehabbing our 1st in house Turtle Ally! (Normally we take them to Taronga however they are full at the moment and we have loads of space).
Ally a little 9.04kg green sea turtle was found by a local resident whilst spear fishing off Boat harbour. The turtle stayed near the spear fishermen and appeared to be weak and wounded. He noticed she had fishing line caught on her and cut it off, she was very easy to catch and hold which is not normal, he then swam her 400m to shore easily which is also a sign she needed our help.
“Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest.” – Charles Moore, Marine Researcher
Ally came into care on 08/09/20 with large amounts of growth on her Carapace and laceration on her left flipper from the fishing line that was wrapped around it, and an injury to her plastron. She was given a freshwater bath for 24hrs to remove growth and wait for the vet.
She started to feed on Wednesday night, a good sign of relief and the growth clearing.
COULDN’T DO IT ALONE
“Personally, I have always felt that the best doctor in the world is the Veterinarian. He can’t ask his patients what is the matter…he’s just got to know.” – Will Rogers
Emma from the Wild Vet was the first available and came all the way from Sydney to asses, treat and hydrate Ally, such wonderful dedication. We are waiting for the results & Ally is off tomorrow for bi-lateral X-ray to asses a possible fracture. Without support of people like Emma, Taronga Zoo, National Parks & Wildlife, a number of local vets, Irukandji & many tireless volunteer hours it would never be possible to do what we do. Huge thanks to everybody for their continued support.