NAVIGATION
Feed a Hungry Turtle
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Thank you to our turtle adopters!
The generosity of our supporters helped us raise over $1200 for our Christmas squid appeal! Thanks to you, we are able to purchase 17 boxes of squid, which will feed JCU’s rehab residents for nearly two months.
Dr. Ariel and her staff’s excellent care of the turtles means that three of our residents, Alexis, Niblet, and Connie, were able to be released on 31 December. All the other turtles in rehab are on the road to recovery as well, with more releases possible in the near future.
Peanut has stopped floating, which means his digestive system is working properly and there are no blockages. He is eating well and just needs some more time to put on a bit of extra weight before he is ready for release. Peanut has also had a good clean-up by Dr. Ariel’s dedicated volunteers to remove barnacles, dirt, and flaking scutes—the equivalent of a turtle facial—and his carapace is now shiny and beautiful!
Hector’s floating issue is improving; he is not floating as much and has stopped listing to one side, both signs that the problems causing his floating syndrome are being resolved. Hector has proven to have quite a playful personality; he loves the toys that staff place in his tank and interacts with all of them. Hector also loves his squid and is always hungry, a good sign that he is getting healthy and may be ready for release soon!
Quasi is doing better than when she first arrived at rehab, but has a long way to go. She has been treated for the brain parasites that caused her to float and swim at an angle, but the damage may be permanent. She is still not eating normally, but her body condition is good. Because her problems with swimming make her carapace stick out of the water, staff keep a wet towel on her back and a styrofoam brace underneath her to help stabilise her position in the water and keep her from drying out. Quasi will be a long-term resident, but staff is hopeful that she will make progress.
Even though Christmas has passed, you can still adopt a turtle and help us continue to purchase squid for the turtles and support JCU’s rehab facility. Thank you again to all our supporters, who are helping to ensure we have Turtles for Tomorrow!
You can choose to sponsor your turtle’s meals for a day, a week, or an entire average 3-month stay. Each donor will receive a certificate with information about your chosen turtle, and a sticker pack to share with friends. You can also add a shirt, hat, or DVD to your donation if you’d like an extra gift for your loved one (or yourself!).
Meet the current residents of JCU’s facility:
Hector
Hector is the largest turtle currently housed at JCU. Hector is being treated for floating syndrome, a condition caused by a number of problems that result in a turtle not being able to dive to eat or find shelter from predators. Until Hector recovers, he is staying at the facility and enjoying the squid provided. You can adopt Hector!
Peanut
Peanut is a laid-back turtle who is also recovering from floating syndrome. He likes to have his shell rubbed and wiggles his butt under the water cascade in his tank. Peanut came to the facility from Townsville, and JCU staff are working to help him get back to full strength so he can return to the ocean. Adopt Peanut and help him reach a healthy weight!
Quasi
Quasi is the newest arrival at the JCU facility. In addition to being underweight, Quasi has both floating syndrome and a neurological problem that causes her to list to one side when she swims. If that weren’t enough, Quasi also has fibropapilloma tumours on both her eyes. This little turtle is lucky that she was found and brought to JCU so she can receive treatment, and will likely be a long-term resident if her neurological problem can be treated. You can adopt Quasi and help her get on the road to recovery!
Add a shirt, hat, or DVD to your order from our merchandise page.
Thank you for your support–the turtles thank you too!
