by Toni Bennett

The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre have continued their fantastic work by delivering “Priscilla”, a juvenile green turtle, back into the Coral Sea after three months in rehabilitation. 

Priscilla was rescued from Cooktown and like the 40 to 50 turtles rescued each year by the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre required veterinarian care to survive. 

Watch Priscilla be released back into the waters at Moore Reef (top left)

Many turtles rescued have buoyancy problems and are termed “floaters.”  These turtles are found floating or stranded on beaches in a weakened state due to disease or ingesting foreign materials which creates a blockage in the gut.  This results in gases building up under the shell and the turtle is then unable to submerge and hunt for food.

“Clancy” was one such turtle found washed ashore on Four Mile Beach in June last year. Clancy was covered with a thick, bright green layer of algae and in a very emaciated state. 

Locals called the centre and housed the turtle overnight until the vet arrived to collect him.  X-rays taken at Marlin Coast vet clinic showed an impaction in the gut. Clancy was treated and cared for by volunteers at Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre until he was well enough to be released.

Clancy was transported by Sunlover cruises to Moore Reef where he was released with a satellite tracker to monitor his movements.  He is now living near the mouth of the Daintree River. 

Turtles are treated at the centre for a range of other conditions such as cranial trauma,  loss of and damage to limbs, and other injuries caused by boat strikes and capture in fishing nets. Vets also treat turtles with diseases such as Fibropapilloma and contamination from oil and tar pollution.

Humans cause many of the problems treated at the hospital so it is heartening to know that angels such as Jennie Gilbert and Paul Barnes who established the hospital over ten years ago accomplish a 90-95% survival rate for their patients. 

The centre receives no government funding and relies on grants and donations to continue this wonderful work. A small group of volunteer staff assist with the care of up to nine turtles at any given time at the centre and corporate philanthropy from companies such as Sunlover Cruises and Qantas assist with the transportation of the turtles to and from the hospital.

On release from the Sunlover pontoon at Moore Reef turtles are monitored via the GPS tracking system.  Tracking turtles assists with research into the four species released to date which include Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Loggerhead. 

To donate or contact the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre regarding a turtle call Jenny Gilbert on 0417441956 or email jennifer.gilbert@jcu.edu.au. If you would like to track a released turtle visit the Sea Turtle website.