[Video]SEA LIFE Mooloolaba’s animal health team today released a rehabilitated turtle back into the ocean, straight off Mooloolaba Beach for the first time.
Fondly named ‘Topaz’ in honour of the member of the public who dived in to save her, the 60cm wide green turtle has called SEA LIFE Mooloolaba’s Turtle Hospital home for more than five months after being rescued last November just off the rock wall at the Mooloolah River mouth.
With turtles normally released back into the ocean by boat, SEA Life Mooloolaba’s Animal Health Manager Emily Thomas said Topaz has been given special clearance by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) to be released init the wild straight off the beach as the location was so close to where the animal was found.