SunshineCoast leads the world in sea turtle conservation - rescuing 71 turtles in oneyear

SEALIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium has been recognised as a global leader in sea turtleconservation after rescuing more than three quarters of all marine turtlesrehabilitated across the international SEA LIFE network in 2025.

Therecognition comes in SEA LIFE's 2025 Making Waves for our Oceans Conservationand Wildlife Rehabilitation Report, which highlights the aquarium'sextraordinary contribution to protecting Australia's vulnerable marine life.

In2025 alone, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast admitted 71 sea turtles into its TurtleRehabilitation Hospital, including four hatchlings, with 41 successfullyreturned to the wild after months of specialist veterinary treatment andrehabilitation.

Overthe past five years, the aquarium has treated almost 580 sea turtles,successfully returning approximately 442 to Australia's oceans, an overall rehabilitationsuccess rate of 76.5 per cent. The momentum has continued into 2026, with 52turtles already admitted, including 23 hatchlings, with 14 successfullyreleased back into the wild.

OnSaturday, 18 July, as part of the Mooloolaba Beach Clean Up Day, Digger, aGreen Sea turtle, was released back into the wild following weeks of specialistrehabilitation.

Diggerwas initially admitted to Australia Zoo Wildlife hospital on the 23rd of Maysuffering from a buoyancy disorder known as coelomic floating, beforetransferring to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast on the 10th of June to continue hisrecovery. After responding well to treatment and exceeding his target bodyweight, Digger was fit for release, marking another successful conservationoutcome for the aquarium’s Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.

SarahHarrison, Veterinary Nurse, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, said, "Every turtlein our care receives individualised attention, from veterinary assessmentthrough to specialised treatment, rehabilitation and behavioural monitoring."

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"Manyarrive suffering from devastating injuries, buoyancy disorders, malnutrition orthe impacts of marine debris and pollution. Seeing those animals return to theocean is incredibly rewarding because every successful release strengthens wildpopulations of these vulnerable species."

TheTurtle Rehabilitation Hospital regularly cares for green, loggerhead, hawksbilland the uniquely Australian flatback turtle, with many patients requiringmonths of intensive rehabilitation before they are healthy enough for release.

Theglobal report highlights the scale of SEA LIFE's conservation efforts, withteams across more than 50 aquariums delivering 104 conservation projects,rescuing 683 marine animals, and contributing more than 34,000 hours towildlife conservation throughout 2025.

ChrisBrown, Director of Conservation, Welfare and Education, Merlin Entertainments,said, "SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a shining example of how a passionatelocal team can make a measurable difference for marine life."

"Theirwork embodies our mission to Rescue, Restore and Protect our oceans,demonstrating that hands-on conservation, scientific expertise and communityengagement can create meaningful outcomes for threatened species."

Beyondrehabilitation, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast educates thousands of guests each yearon the key threats facing marine wildlife, including plastic pollution, fishingline entanglement, habitat loss, and climate change. This work extends into thecommunity through turtle release events, beach clean initiatives and hands-onconservation programs that turn awareness into action along the coastline.

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