Turtles Currently in Care 2018
Barnacle Bill – Hawksbill Turtle
Barnacle Bill (Barney Bill) is a juvenile Hawksbill turtle found at Midge point on 31st July. He came in with a bad case of float and a very heavy barnacle and algae load.
Crush – Green Turtle
Crush is a juvenile green turtle found at Butterfly Bay on 28th July. Crush is suffering from float but is fairly active.
Tortuga – Green Turtle
Tortuga is a juvenile green turtle who was found on Cannonvale Beach at 25th July, he came in with a heavy barnacle load and suffering from float. Tortuga is doing well in care, has started eating, we are hoping with some TLC that Tortuga will make a full recovery and be able to be released.
Bobby – Green Turtle
Bobby is a juvenile green turtle found at Ilbilbie on 19th July 2018. He is very sick and very malnourished and initially came in with a heavy barnacle load. He has since had a clean-up and is looking a lot better. However things are touch and go with this little turtle.
Samson – Green Turtle
Samson is a adult male turtle who was found on Henning Island on 18th June 2018. He was found beached and above the high tide mark, he is malnourished and very lethargic. What was amazing about this rescue was the team work from the Hamilton Island staff, the crew on Samson Barge and Cruise Whitsundays, for safely rescuing and delivering Samson to Shute Harbour where we were able to transfer him to the WTRC. We are hoping that with some rest and TLC Samson will make a full recovery.
Turtles Previously in Care 2018
Carlee – Green Turtle
Carlee is a juvenile Green turtle found on 15th June 2018 at Shute Harbour. She was found caught in a thin mooring line and suffering from float. Thanks to Whitsunday Rent A Yacht and Fauna Rescue Whitsundays who helped assist with the rescue. Carlee is currently doing well in care and has already started eating. Carlee was able to be released on Friday 20th July 2018.
Conway – Green Turtle
Conway, a juvenile Green turtle found at Conway Beach on 6th June 2018. He was found beach washed, on the tide line covered in algae and barnacles and extremely weak and malnourished. He is recovering well in care and has now lost his float. Sadly Conway took a turn for the worst and passes away in care on 23rd July.
Willow – Green Turtle
Willow is a adult green male turtle, found on the beach on Long Island on Sunday 3rd June, he was transported to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre. He is very lethargic, malnourished and has a heavy barnacle and algae load. Willow is very sick and we are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that with some loving care he will make a good recovery. Willow ended up making a full recovery and was released on 28th July 2018.
Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre History
Since May 2013, 86 turtles have been cared for at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, with 42 turtles making a remarkable recovery and being able to be released back into the wild.