Treating patients @Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Jim the flatback sea turtle released back into the ocean after receiving treatment for microplastic ingestion.

Jim the flatback sea turtle was brought to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for treatment after he had washed up on the shoreline. A further examination from our expert team of vets found the cause of Jim’s unusual behaviour to be microplastic ingestion, this left him very weak and malnourished. Turtles of his age frequently mistake microplastics for food.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is equipped with a dedicated sea turtle rehabilitation centre, inclusive of ICU pools, a large rehabilitation pool and equipment to transport the turtles between these areas when needed. This facility with the inclusion of support feeding allowed little Jim to quickly regain his strength where he was then cleared for release into a more suitable part of the ocean.

Plastic ingestion can lead to serious problems for sea turtles, it can ignite a condition called ‘floating syndrome’. Floating syndrome in sea turtles is one of the main reasons for being admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. A build up of gas will occur in their intestines due to blockages from the plastic which will make it almost impossible for them to dive beneath the water surface to escape predators, search for food or escape boat strikes.

Fact: Australia is home to six of the seven species of marine turtle species, this includes; green, hawksbill, flatback, leatherback, loggerhead and olive ridley sea turtle.