Rescued Lucy, the sea turtle makes return to ocean
A sea turtle has made its long awaited return to the ocean, after being rescued and cared for by Sea World staff.
Lucy the Hawksbill sea turtle had been spotted off Kirra reef by a local diver, who noticed her health deteriorating.
The diver notified Sea World on the Gold Coast, which made plans to retrieve and rehabilitate the injured juvenile turtle.
READ MORE: Australia's biggest maritime mystery solved
Lucy the Hawksbill sea turtle was found in a bad way. 9News
Sea World turtle rehabilitation coordinator Siobhan Houlihan said this year had been the busiest on record for sea turtle rescues, with 91 turtles cared for so far.
"Unfortunately many of these have been due to human impact including fishing injuries and boat strikes," Ms Houlihan said.
"Quite a lot of fishing injuries, boat strikes, floating syndrome parasite linked to poor water quality."
Ms Houlihan said many factors could contribute to injuries in turtles and what was causing Lucy's ill health was unkown.
READ MORE: War of words erupts between states, PM heats up
After five weeks recovery, Lucy was carefully released back into the wild. 9News
Lucy was anaemic and underweight when found, Ms Houlihan said, but can now enjoy full health back on the reef thanks to the specialised vet team.
"Our team treated Lucy for her illness in our vet centre before she progressed to rehabilitating in our larger pool to get her swimming and weight condition back to a healthy position ready for release," Ms Houlihan said.
After five weeks' recovery, Lucy was carefully released back into the waters off Kirra beach today.
READ MORE: Major crime figure charged in jaw-dropping drug bust
"It is always very exciting when we can rescue, rehabilitate and release any animal but it is even more exciting because Kirra Reef is home to a group of resident turtles," Ms Houlihan said.
"We can't wait for Lucy to get back out there."
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
