Aja Pendergrast, Auckland Zoo
Great news for three sea turtles released into the ocean!
In late 2025, our veterinary team cared for these green sea turtles after they were found stranded on New Zealand beaches. Last week, the turtles were released at Rangiputa in Northland, where sea turtles have been successfully released previously.
The turtles were brought to the Zoo by our conservation colleagues at the Department of Conservation (DOC), and after receiving intensive veterinary treatment at our vet hospital, were given over to the care of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s for rehabilitation before release.
As shown in these photos, one green sea turtle patient from Gisborne arrived with dense algae covering its carapace. This happens when sea turtles significantly reduce their activity (usually from illness), giving the algae the ability to grow. While the algae itself was not making the patient ill, it was a symptom that it was not well. When it first started to eat in our care, our team report this turtle ate squid very enthusiastically – and it was released at a healthy 13.1kgs.
All three turtles had satellite transmitters attached by a DOC scientist, increasing the current number of tracked green turtles to 11. The project’s goal is to satellite tag 20 green turtles over three years to understand how they use the coastlines and harbours of Aotearoa so key habitats can be identified and protected.
We’re a proud member of ‘Team Turtle’, a conservation partnership between DOC, Auckland Zoo and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, and in collaboration with mana whenua, to release healthy turtles back to the wild.
We’d like to acknowledge iwi Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu who whakapapa to Rangaunu Harbour, hapū Te Whānau Moana me Te Rorohuri of the Karikari peninsula, and iwi Rongowhakaata who whakapapa to Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Gisborne where one turtle was originally beached.
Any turtle found on a beach in New Zealand is critically ill. If you see a turtle in need, please call DOC immediately on 0800 DOC HOT.
