A very special marine creature is making a huge splash as he dives into his forever home on the Sunshine Coast.
Budgial the critically endangered hawksbill turtle is the first turtle to settle in to permanent residence at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
Until now, the aquarium has only been permitted to house rescue marine turtles for rehabilitation.
Visitors to the attraction at The Wharf Mooloolaba now have an opportunity to see Budgial in the ocean tunnel and learn more about these incredibly rare animals and the challenges they face in the wild.
The rare adult male hawksbill turtle was relocated from Darwin in April this year before undergoing 30 days of quarantine: a requirement for all new animal arrivals to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of all creatures at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
The hawksbill underwent an eight-week training program, allowing the team to easily recall him for feeding and regular weighing. He was then transferred into the dive loch to acclimatise for 24 hours before being released into the aquarium’s ocean tunnel.
His arrival not only marks a milestone for SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast: it is also the first time Budgial has been among other marine creatures, having lived a solitary life.
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Senior aquarist Laura Kippax said the ability to house Budgial permanently was exciting for the attraction and the wider community.
“We worked hard for many months to be able to offer a forever home to Budgial,” she said.
“We are thrilled to finally be able to share him with guests as he explores his new home here on the Sunny Coast.”
Visitors to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast also can purchase a ticket for the Behind the Scenes Tour to see what goes on in the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Visit the website for more information.
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