A wave of sea turtles arriving at Auckland Zoo

Since late September, we’ve experienced a wave of sea turtle arrivals – 14 and counting so far! This includes two hawksbills, two olive ridleys, and the rest green sea turtles. All of the green turtles were found on nearby beaches, specifically Rangiputa and Kaimaumau up in Northland.

“It’s puzzling why so many are washing ashore, especially since most of these turtles arrived in relatively good condition, showing fewer signs of illness and lethargy than others we’ve treated earlier this year. Recent large swells and ocean currents appear to be guiding them to this area.”
explains vet nurse Jess.

Among them was a remarkable green sea turtle weighing 53kg – the largest turtle we’ve ever treated. Green sea turtles of this size, typically ranging from 45–250 kg, are often mature and found in warmer waters for breeding and nesting, making her appearance here unusual.

Upon arrival of an unwell sea turtle, our veterinary team get to work, rehydrating the cold and weakened turtles with fluids and carefully warming them over a few days. Each turtle undergoes an admission examination, which includes physical examinations, blood testing and full body X-Rays. Unfortunately, not all of them survive.

However, with supportive care including IV fluid therapy, supplementary feeding, and some undergoing treatment for pneunomia, each green turtle so far has shown excellent improvements, becoming stronger, and swimming for longer periods while in hospital. When they reach a more stable point in recovery, they are then transferred to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's for ongoing care and rehabilitation.

Transporting the turtles, whose body weights ranged from 13kg upwards, is no small task. While most of the turtles are transported in crates or tubs, the 53kg green sea turtle recently required four people to safely lift and carry out of its hospital tank! Our vet experts wrapped the turtle securely in blankets for safe transport as she didn’t fit into a crate.

The SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s team and Auckland Zoo veterinary department continue to closely monitor each turtle’s progress. Once fully rehabilitated, they’ll undergo a final health check and blood tests to ensure they’re fit for release. Then, after flipper-tagging, each turtle will be returned to the ocean.

This influx of marine turtle rescues highlights a concerning trend as climate change impacts sea temperatures and currents, drawing tropical and subtropical species like green sea turtles into New Zealand waters.

The rescue, rehabilitation, and release of these turtles is made possible by the collaborative efforts of ‘Team Turtle’ — an alliance that includes mana whenua, the Department of Conservation, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, and Auckland Zoo.

If you see a sick or entangled turtle?

• On the shore: Call the Department of Conservation on their emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and follow the advice.
• In the water: Call DOC with the details and if you have the means to, try and free the animal. If you can’t untangle it, but can safely bring the animal to shore, do so and keep it there until you receive advice from DOC.