Two more wins for Team Turtle!

Thanks to ‘Team Turtle’, two incredible sea turtles are ready to be released!

Zoo vet An and clinical coordinator Mikaylie visited SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium prior to Auckland’s last lockdown, to carry out the final veterinary checks for green turtle Spock and loggerhead turtle Kibou before their upcoming release to waters around the Poor Knight’s Islands.

Kibou and Spock were both found washed up on Muriwai Beach, in 2019 and 2020 respectively, in critical conditions. When any sea turtle is found on a New Zealand beach, it usually means they are at death’s door and need veterinary assistance. But it’s best to not approach them yourself and call in the experts.

Thankfully, kind members of the public called Department of Conservation (0800 DOC HOT) and the turtles were brought to our Vet Hospital for treatment. Once our vets started to see improvements in their health, strength and ability to swim for longer periods of time, Spock and Kibou were then taken to our friends and conservation partners at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's for rehabilitation – making sure that they’ve fully recovered before they are released back into the ocean.

We’re proud to be part of this incredible work with Team Turtle which is made up of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons, DOC, Air New Zealand and Auckland Zoo. Stay tuned for updates about their upcoming wild release!