01/10/2026
Taylah and Michael recently visited Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue in Ballina, and it was incredible to see firsthand the work involved in caring for these beautiful animals.
Behind every rescue is a dedicated team of volunteers giving their time, patience and care to help sick and injured wildlife recover, with the goal of returning them to the ocean. Seeing the work involved gave us a real appreciation for everything this wonderful team does.
The green sea turtles were particularly fascinating. Despite their name, they aren’t named after the colour of their shells, the name comes from the greenish colour of their body fat. As adults, they mainly eat seagrass and algae, making them quite different from many other sea turtles.
Sea turtles can live for many decades, with their natural lifespan estimated at 50–100 years. They can take decades to reach breeding age, and females can return to the beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs. It really highlights why protecting each turtle matters.
They also have an “itchy” side! Green turtles have been observed rubbing their bodies against underwater surfaces for a scratch. It’s a lovely reminder that these remarkable animals have behaviours we might not expect.
If you see a turtle that appears sick, injured, stranded or otherwise in need of assistance, please contact Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue. Note its location and follow the team’s advice. Even if you’re unsure, reporting your concern gives their experienced volunteers the opportunity to assess the situation.
24-hour rescue hotline: 0428 862 852
https://seabirdrescue.org.au/
Thank you to the incredible volunteers for welcoming us and for the care you give our marine wildlife. Your work deserves to be recognised and supported.
