By Grace Jones | posted on August 17, 2017
BEACH goers have been urged to keep an eye out for baby loggerhead turtles that have been washing up on South Coast beaches.
Some of the endangered turtles are getting caught in the Leeuwin Current and are being washed down the WA coastline, getting as far as Esperance.
John Pridham from the Department of Parks and Wildlife said the turtles required specialist care, and cannot just sit in a bathtub at home.
“The loggerhead turtle is known to be difficult to care for,” he said.
“Anyone who finds one needs to get in contact with DPAW or the Wildcare Helpline.
“They shouldn’t be returned to the ocean or cared for by people without the necessary training.”
Mr Pridham said all turtles that are handed to DPAW are given to specialist carers, who rehabilitate them so they can be moved.
“People like Sue Gleave care for them until they can be sent to Perth Zoo or to the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre.
“After being given the go-ahead, they’re sent to Exmouth to be released.”
Ms Gleave has been rescuing and rehabilitating the turtles she finds; however, she strongly urges anyone from the public who find them to not return them to the water.
“They’re not from our waters and if you put them back it will kill them,” she said.
If you find any baby loggerhead turtles, please contact DPAW on 9842 4500 or the Wildcare Helpline on 9874 9055.
