WATCH: Lil’ Turts Finally Hoof It Back To The Sea After Rehab In The NT

It seems like turtles are getting a pretty raw deal these days. Our shelled mates are set upon by all kind of nastiness – rising water temperatures, ever-increasing plastic waste afflicting their habitats, and even when they die, some get “surfed” on. 

That’s why it’s so damn heart-warming to watch two turtles, which had been under the care of Charles Darwin University, finally make their way back to the ocean in tip-top shape. 

Gretchen (!) the green sea turtle, and Chompa (!!!) the olive ridley turtle, weren’t in great nick when the uni picked ’em up. Gretchen was spotted by a fisherman with an ailment which meant she couldn’t dive for food, and young Chompa was simply too lil’ to traverse the tree roots between his hatching place and the water.

That’s even worse news when you consider both green sea turtles and olive ridleys are threatened marine species. Still, both were cared for by staff, and hell, look at ’em now. Actually, more importantly: listen to ’em now. THOSE FLIPPERS.
 

THWIP THWIP THWIP THWIP.  

Rachel Groom, a Charles Darwin University specialist focused on threatened ocean critters, emphasised that it’s a stellar idea to bring distressed animals in for professional care. Groom also reiterated how much of a solid idea it is to pick up plastic waste you see at the beach.

And, after watching Gretchen zoom off, we can’t imagine you’ll ever want to see their homes messed up. Godspeed, Gretchen and Chompa – and nice work to all involved.

Source: ABC.
Photo: Charles Darwin University / Facebook. 

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