A BABY green sea turtle found stranded on a North Stradbroke Island beach has been returned to the sea after treatment by Australia Zoo veterinarians.
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Last week, Brisbane Water Police were approached by Australia Zoo Wildlife staff to see if they could help return Lucky, the green sea turtle, home to Stradbroke Island.
Lucky had been found stranded on the beach and was rushed to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Lucky was treated for injuries to his flipper, shell and head, and has thankfully had a full recovery.
Robert Irwin, who released Lucky, said that due to Lucky's age and size, he needed to be released away from shore.
"The khaki crew called in for help from our good friends in blue, the Queensland Water Police," he said.
"With their ocean expertise and equipment, we found the perfect spot to release Lucky."
Senior Sergeant David Edden from the Brisbane Water Police said he was more than happy to help.
"There is never a dull moment working for the Water Police," Senior Sergeant Edden said.
"I am so pleased that our operational requirements last week allowed us to assist the Wildlife Warriors in getting Lucky home."
Young Lucky may have been starting a migration when found.
The Queensland Environment Department says green turtles occur in coral reefs that are rich in seaweeds, and in coastal seagrass pastures in tropical and subtropical areas.
The Great Barrier Reef area is an important feeding area for turtles which nest locally, as well as for those which nest in other regions and countries.
Green turtles make long migrations between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Some of the longest known migrations made by turtles that nest in the southern Great Barrier Reef have exceeded 2600km but the average migration is about 400km.
