Helping green sea turtles in Tropical North Queensland -

Nestled in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC) stands as a beacon of hope for sick and injured sea turtles. Operating as a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, CTRC is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine turtles, particularly the endangered green turtle, which faces numerous threats in the wild.

What do they do?

The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC) is a non-profit voluntary organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. A number of these are seriously threatened by a diverse range of natural and, more significantly, human induced factors. Our rehabilitation facilities are located in Cairns – Far North Queensland, which is where many of the sick and injured turtles that we care for are found.

CTRC supports the work of all organisations, individuals and agencies in their efforts to conserve sea turtles and the habitats that they live in. They work closely with a number of these groups, which includes the environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA National Park Rangers who are responsible for bringing the turtles to them.

Through teamwork and community support, they aim to make a lasting impact on the survival of these incredible marine creatures.

A Sanctuary for Sea Turtles

CTRC operates two primary facilities: one on Fitzroy Island, approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, and another within the Cairns Aquarium. These centres provide specialized care for turtles afflicted by various ailments, including:

Floaters Syndrome: A condition where turtles are unable to dive due to gas buildup, often caused by ingesting plastic or other debris.
Boat Strikes: Injuries sustained from collisions with watercraft.
Entanglement: Being caught in fishing nets or marine debris.
Infections and Diseases: Such as fibropapillomatosis, a disease causing tumors.

Treatment durations vary, with some turtles requiring several months to over a year of care before they are deemed fit for release back into their natural habitat.

Conservation Through Education

Beyond rehabilitation, CTRC places a strong emphasis on education and community involvement. Visitors to Fitzroy Island can partake in guided tours of the rehabilitation center, gaining insights into the challenges faced by sea turtles and the efforts undertaken to aid their recovery. Similarly, the Cairns Aquarium offers daily Turtle Hospital Tours, providing an up-close look at the turtles and the rehabilitation process.

Community Engagement and Support

CTRC’s operations are sustained through the unwavering support of volunteers and donors. Volunteers assist with daily tasks such as feeding turtles, cleaning tanks, and monitoring health, playing a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. Financial contributions help cover costs associated with medical treatments, food, and facility maintenance. The center also collaborates with various organizations and government agencies to enhance conservation efforts.

A Glimpse into the Future

The work of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre underscores the importance of conservation and the impact of human activity on marine life. Through dedicated care, education, and community involvement, CTRC continues to make significant strides in protecting and preserving sea turtle populations for future generations.

Donate here:

You can donate to this important cause here:

http://www.cairnsturtlerehab.org/contact/