Two juvenile loggerhead turtles were found in a poor condition on Rockingham beaches in August last year and rehabilitated at the Naragebup Rockingham Regional Environment Centre.
The rescued sea turtles, named Jack and Sam by rehabilitators, were returned to health in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and veterinarians from Perth Zoo.
Regional wildlife officer Cameron Craigie said members of Rockingham’s Palm Beach Rotary Club kindly offered to return Jack and Sam to the waters of the North-West during a trip to Coral Bay.
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READ NOW‘Loggerheads are hatched in this region and are known to find their way on to Perth beaches after being brought south on the strong Leeuwin current during the winter,’ Mr Craigie said.
‘These hatchlings are only 10cm or a little larger in length and may need extensive rehabilitation before they can be returned to the wild.
‘We are pleased Jack and Sam have recovered from their ordeal and that Palm Beach Rotary Club has been able to assist with their release. The turtles are both microchipped for future identification.’
Loggerhead turtles are an endangered species and one of six marine turtle species found in WA waters.
Despite washing up exhausted on Waikiki beach missing a fin and battling a potentially deadly infection, Jack made a remarkable recovery.
Readers first met the feisty Jack in August when he was barely six months old and went into the care of staff at the centre after he was found clinging to life.
Mr Craigie urged people who find a turtle washed up on a beach to immediately call the Parks and Wildlife Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.