In Townsville, there’s a magnificent aquarium called Reef HQ, which boasts a hospital for green sea turtles.

One of the most common reasons sea turtles are admitted is a condition called floating syndrome, which prevents them from diving to forage for food. It’s often caused by ingesting foreign material such as plastic bags and fishing lines.

On admission to the hospital, each turtle undergoes a complete examination including X-rays and blood tests. The turtles are housed in large tanks and fed high-protein food such as fish and squid. Their progress is monitored, and, to date, 28 have been released back

into the ocean.

The sea has been home to turtles for 120 million years, and it’s a thrill to release a healthy turtle back into its natural environment. For more information, visit www.reefhq.com.au