Injured green turtle rescued

News source: Sunshine Coast Daily
30 December 2007

A YOUNG female green turtle was found floating in rough seas at Maroochydore beach early yesterday morning.

It took seven surf lifesavers to lift the 40kg turtle ashore, where she was attended to until Australia Zoo crew arrived at 8.40 am.

The turtle, which was aptly named Maroochy, was then taken to the zoo's Wildlife Hospital.

Veterinarian Amber Gillett said the weather had been a major player in pushing Maroochy to shore because she had an injury that affected her ability to dive underwater.

"She has got scarring on the back quadrant of her shell and a bite out of one of her flippers, which could have happened a few weeks or months ago," Dr Gillet said.

Although more tests and closer examination was needed, Dr Gillett said she believed the injuries were caused by either a shark or a boat propeller.

Maroochy will stay at the hospital for more tests and treatment.