Trutel the turtle being flown to Ballina’s ASR

A young loggerhead turtle will be flown into Ballina airport at 4pm this afternoon after being found on the beach at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in Victoria.

Australian Seabird Rescue spokesperson Keith Williams said: “You know that if there are penguins around, it really is too cold for a turtle.”

 The eight-year-old Loggerhead turtle nicknamed ‘Trutel’ has been in the care of wildlife rehabilitation staff at the Phillip Island Nature Reserve for the past six weeks, with daily phone and email support provided by ASR in Ballina. 

“He got the name because we were mis-typing turtle so often in emails,” Mr Williams said.

“A loggerhead turtle this age and size is very rarely seen by humans. 

“At this age the loggerhead turtle lives out in the open ocean, well away from land. 

“We see loggerhead hatchlings and adults on the North Coast but we have never seen a loggerhead turtle this size in the 10 years we have been saving sea turtles. 

“Turtle researchers all over Australia are interested in this little fellow.” 

 He is expected to be in care at ASR’s sea turtle hospital in Ballina until early in the new year.  School groups visiting the turtle hospital tomorrow morning will be the first to see the new arrival.

Related posts:

1. Rare turtle found injured off Ballina
2. New ASR project aims to monitor sea turtle nesting, hatching
3. Local groups get $250,000 funding for disabled care programs
4. Yamba locals watch release of rehabilitated green turtles
5. Australian Seabird Rescue to offer guided holiday tours

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Related posts:

1. Rare turtle found injured off Ballina
2. New ASR project aims to monitor sea turtle nesting, hatching
3. Local groups get $250,000 funding for disabled care programs
4. Yamba locals watch release of rehabilitated green turtles
5. Australian Seabird Rescue to offer guided holiday tours