Olive Ridley Sea Turtle ready to move

The endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle receiving care at Wellington Zoo’s The Nest Te Kōhanga has gone from strength to strength over the last two weeks.

Veterinary Science Manager Dr Lisa Argilla is very pleased with the progress that the turtle, dubbed Ridley, has made, and her prognosis has been upgraded from critical to good.

“Ridley has been swimming, eating, and even showing her stroppy side over the last week,” said Dr Argilla. “It’s great to see her looking so strong, and we’re now making plans for her to move up to Kelly Tarlton’s for the next stage of her recovery so she can then be returned to the wild.”

Ridley’s appetite has returned, and she has been feeding on a diet of fresh fish and leafy sea greens.

“Ridley has a very strong jaw for eating fish, molluscs and other crustaceans, so we’re using medical forceps to keep our fingers well out of her way,” said Dr Argilla.

“The shell injury that Ridley sustained will take a long time to heal, and we’re still keeping a good eye on her in case it has led to blood poisoning. But based on her demeanour, we’re confident that she’s almost fit enough to make her move.”

While her move to Kelly Tarlton’s will happen as soon as next week, Ridley could be building up strength for up to two years before returning to the wild.

“Ridley was in a critical condition when she arrived, and we want to make sure she will be able to thrive when she returns to the wild. Kelly Tarlton’s have large salt water tanks for her to swim in, as well as the expertise to manage her rehabilitation so she is fit and ready before returning to the warmer waters she would be accustomed to.”

The Nest Te Kōhanga is Wellington Zoo’s animal hospital, which provides care for Zoo animals, native wildlife from all over New Zealand, and the occasional visitor from far-off shores.

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