Rescued and rehabilitated green sea turtles released

On Thursday 13 April 2023, the team from SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium have released two rescued and rehabilitated green sea turtles back into the ocean at Mooloolaba Beach.

The turtles, named Dustin and Chrisie, were found washed up on the beaches suffering from a mysterious disease known as soft-shell syndrome. The condition has had a catastrophic effect on the population of marine turtles and can take months to heal.

The turtles have received extensive specialist care at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Turtle Rehabilitation Centre since arriving at the end of 2022. Dustin and Chrisie were weighing a healthy 14kg and 30kg, respectively were deemed fit for release by the veterinarians. Only one in 1,000 turtles survive to maturity, meaning each individual is critical for the future of this endangered species.

2022 was one of the most significant years for the aquarium’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre with 74 adults and 44 hatchlings being cared for by the team.

The double release will be followed, by a SEA LIFE Trust beach clean, highlighting the continued challenges faced by many marine species due to the impacts of marine debris such as plastic pollution.

Guests visiting SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast can purchase a ticket to experience a Behind the Scenes Tour to see what goes on in the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, supporting the expert team’s important work. For further information, visit: www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/tickets-passes/experiences/behind-the-scenes-tour