Sea turtle released after Tropical Cyclone Kirrily impacts Magnetic Island clinic

Volunteers were forced to release a recovering sea turtle after ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily hit Magnetic Island, knocking out power and leaving turtle tanks dangerously warm.

Without power and the capacity to keep only one tank cool, MINT staff had to make the quick and difficult decision to release Green sea turtle, Charlie, back into the wild.

When ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily knocked out power for Magnetic Island residents, staff at the turtle clinic at Horseshoe Bay were forced to make a difficult decision.

Magnetic Island’s Network for Turtles (MINT) was housing two recovering turtles when their tanks began to warm up in the heatwave.

Without power and the capacity to keep only one tank cool, MINT staff had to make the quick decision to release Green sea turtle, Charlie, back into the wild.

Charlie had been in MINT’s care since September 2023 after the turtle was found at Pallarenda in Townsville with pneumonia and a 26 per cent chance of survival.

Around 12 years old, Charlie is a relatively young sea turtle with an expected life span of up to 70 tears, much like a human’s.

SeaLink transported Charlie to Magnetic Island, free of charge after the turtle received treatment from JCU veterinarian Tora Thomas.

After they were rescued, Charlie was taken to James Cook University where veterinarian Tora Thomas treated the turtle.

Charlie continued to respond well to ongoing care back at MINT’s clinic on the island enjoying a diet of squid, fish and lettuce.

Rescued sea turtle Charlie’s takes tentative first steps toward freedom, returning to his natural habit without a hitch.

Traci Ayris, who has been volunteering with MINT for a few years, said they planned to release Charlie on the Australia Day long weekend.

“We had a planned public release for the Australia Day weekend and were planning on doing some fundraising for the clinic,” she said.

They delayed the release when they knew ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was on its way but were forced to quickly make arrangements when the clinic lost power.

Charlie was released at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island around 5pm Sunday 28 January, with a small group of people present who had been instrumental in Charlie’s recovery.

“We really wanted to make sure those who worked closely with Charlie had the chance to watch him swim away,” Ms Ayris said.

Charlie’s first few steps toward freedom were tentative ones, but the juvenile turtle returned to his natural habit without a hitch.

“Charlie paused for a while, he made his first few steps and then he sat. He was recalibrating his compass as someone put it,” Ms Ayris said.

“As soon as he had the waves washing over him he was off and swam away strongly.

“We all cheered him, it’s a bit sad but it’s also happy,” she said.

Unfortunately, Timmy, the large male turtle that was struck by a boat while mating in Florence Bay did not survive, reinforcing the clinic’s message to go slow this summer season for the marine life below.

Originally published as Sea turtle released after Tropical Cyclone Kirrily impacts Magnetic Island clinic