A green sea turtle is on the path to recovery after undergoing surgery for severe injuries sustained from fishing gear. The turtle, discovered in a critical state with dehydration, malnutrition, and pneumonia, had managed to escape from the entanglement that initially caused its injuries—likely a fishing net or line.
Auckland Zoo’s veterinary nurse, Celine Campana, described the severity of the injury, noting that the turtle’s flipper had been “tightly” bound, leading to significant damage. “Approximately half of the flipper was already disintegrating, with bones exposed; it was in a dire condition,” Campana reported.
The turtle’s condition has improved sufficiently for it to be moved to Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium later this week, where it will continue its rehabilitation.
Campana highlighted a troubling trend, stating that such injuries are becoming increasingly prevalent among sea turtles. “We’ve encountered similar cases recently, including one turtle that unfortunately did not survive,” she said.
Karen Middlemiss, a marine science advisor with the Department of Conservation, noted that there have been two reported incidents of turtles entangled in fishing gear this year alone. “If you encounter a stranded or entangled animal while at the shore, please contact the 0800 DOC HOT number immediately,” Middlemiss urged.