Gold Coast’s top wildlife vet urges public to alert the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital if freshwater turtles are spotted the on beach

The Gold Coast’s top wildlife veterinarian has asked the public to look out for unexpected crawling creatures on the city’s beaches.

• MP weighs in on plan to save Coast wildlife hospital
• Hospital foundation champion celebrates daughter’s wedding

THE Gold Coast’s top wildlife veterinarian has asked the public to look out for unexpected crawling creatures on the city’s beaches.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has experienced an increase in reports of freshwater turtles cruising on beaches near Tallebudgera and Currumbin creeks.

Senior veterinarian Michael Pyne said recent heavy rainfall had caused nearby creeks to swell and turtles were being flushed into the seaways.

OUR BEST OFFER IS BACK: FULL ACCESS JUST $1 FOR 28 DAYS

Polly Elias from the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital holding a rescued broad-shelled river turtle called Reece with a Spoon. Recent heavy rainfall has washed the turtles out the creeks and onto Gold Coast beaches. Picture: Jerad Williams

Dr Pyne said it was important the public alerted the hospital if they came across a freshwater turtle on the beach because they wouldn’t survive if left.

“Either pick them up and bring them in to the Wildlife Hospital, or call us and let us know where they are, but certainly don’t leave them there, they won’t survive,” Dr Pyne said.

“It (the beach) is not their home. Their food supply isn’t there and (they) don’t like pure saltwater and essentially, they’ll struggle to find their way back home.”

He said all turtles would be assessed to make sure they weren’t suffering any underlying issues before being released.

“All the turtles that come in we investigate to make sure there’s no hook ingestions or other problems.”

Reece with a Spoon will be released once the creeks “settle down” says senior vet Dr Michael Pyne. Picture: Jerad Williams.

For those who do spot a turtle on the beach and are unsure of the difference between a sea or freshwater turtle, Dr Pyne said it was all in the feet.

“Basically, the freshwater guys have toes and toenails and marine turtles have flippers.”

If you spot a freshwater turtle on the beach, call the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on 5534 0813.

Follow @CallcottJodie