THESE pictures look like a barnacle-encrusted turtle that had long since died. Incredibly, it’s still alive… just.
Newport lifesavers helped rescue a sea turtle on Saturday. Pic: Rosie Elliott
The male green turtle was rescued by surf lifesavers when it was washed up at Newport Beach on Saturday.
Newport lifesavers helped rescue a sea turtle on Saturday. Pic: Rosie Elliott
Newport lifesavers helped rescue a sea turtle on Saturday. Pic: Rosie Elliott
Far from a typical rescue operation, clubbies acted quickly to comfort the turtle as best they could, covering it with water and a wet towel while also cordoning off the area.
The reptile was taken to Taronga Wildlife Hospital where staff are working hard to nurse it back to full health.
It is still too early to tell if the resilient animal will survive its ordeal.
But, for now, the vets looking after him are hopeful.
“All we can do is hope at this stage,” hospital manager Libby Hall said.
An example of a healthy green turtle. Picture: Craig Greenhill
Ms Hall said tests were still being conducted to find out what was wrong with the turtle but she said it had potentially been floating on the sea surface for months.