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We're Treasuring Turtles

Turtle Rescue & Conservation

SEA LIFE teams across the globe rescue and care for hundreds of injured and stranded turtles. Our SEA LIFE aquariums in Texas, Istanbul and Australia have dedicated rehabilitation facilities for rescued sea turtles. Many of these turtles fully recover and are released back to the wild, but others sadly need life-long care which many SEA LIFE aquariums are able to provide.

As well as sea turtles, SEA LIFE also leads important programs to protect freshwater turtles. Many of our aquariums are home to freshwater turtles and terrapins that have been released into the wild by pet owners and our German SEA LIFE centres lead a breeding programme for the European Pond turtle.

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Endangered Sea Turtle Releases in Sydney

SEA LIFE Sydney is home to a vital Animal Rescue Centre, where marine experts work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate injured, stranded, or washed-up turtles. Each turtle brought into care receives specialised treatment and support, spending months in recovery before being released back into the wild. These efforts not only give individual turtles a second chance but also play a crucial role in protecting Australia's fragile marine ecosystems.

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Supporting Turtles at Kelly Tarlton's

Did you know that SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's is the only place in New Zealand that rehabilitates rescued turtles? We started a Turtle Rehabilitation Program in 1991 where we treat sick or injured sea turtles found around New Zealand's waters. Green Sea Turtles are the species most commonly brought to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's, however, the team also treat Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Loggerhead turtles.

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Brighton's Turtle Rehab & Repatriation Centre

SEA LIFE Brighton is home to the UK's first purpose-built Turtle Rehabilitation and Repatriation Centre. The number of sea turtles washing up on UK beaches has more than doubled in recent years, prompting the creation of the country's first dedicated rehabilitation and repatriation centre in Brighton.

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Re-introduction of the European pond turtle

SEA LIFE Speyer is supporting a 20 year project in partnership with NABU to re-introduce the native European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) to the Rhine River. 

  • Once abundant in the Rhine, European pond turtle populations have declined dramatically
    due to habitat loss and pollution.
  • Speyer has captive bred and cared for up to 100 hatchlings at a time prior to release to the wild and the released turtles have now produced their own offspring!
  • The aim of the project is to resettle 500 European pond turtles in Rhineland-Palatinate by the end of 2020.

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