Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Rescues

At SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand, our dedicated team is on a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sea turtles back into the wild. Since launching our Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in 1991, we've cared for over 50 turtles, making it the only facility of its kind in the country. 

Meet the Turtle Dream Team

The "Team Turtle" squad includes SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s staff, Auckland Zoo veterinarians, the Department of Conservation, and even Air New Zealand. Together, they nurse sick or injured turtles—like those suffering from plastic ingestion or boat strikes—back to health. Some turtles stay for just a few months, while others need up to three years of care before they're ready to return to the ocean.

Turtle Bay: A Shell-tastic Experience

Visitors can dive into the action at Turtle Bay, a special zone designed to help turtles recover in the perfect environment. There's also Turtle Rescue, an interactive experience where you can become a virtual turtle care expert—rescuing, treating, and releasing your own digital turtle.

Turtle Comebacks

Every turtle release is a celebration! Take Connie, a green sea turtle who was first released in 2019 but needed a second rescue in 2021. After 18 months of rehab, she made a triumphant return to the sea. Other turtle stars like Kibou, Spock, and Calvin have also made inspiring comebacks, thanks to the team's dedication.

How You Can Help

Turtles face many threats, especially from plastic pollution. You can make a difference by reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable seafood, and learning more about marine conservation. Every small action helps protect these ancient ocean explorers.

So next time you're in Auckland, swing by SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s to meet the turtle team and maybe even spot a turtle on its road to recovery. It's a shell-raising adventure you won't forget!