Kelly Tarlton's Marine Wildlife Trust:
Turtle Conservation Program
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release.
Did you know that SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's is the only place in New Zealand that rehabilitates rescued turtles?
Of the seven species of marine turtles, five can be found in New Zealand's waters, all of which are classed as endangered, with some on the verge of extinction. Turtles are generally found in warmer tropical waters but can get washed into colder areas if they are weak from injury or sickness.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's voluntarily started a Turtle Rehabilitation Program in 1991 where sick or injured sea turtles found around New Zealand's waters are brought into the aquarium and treated. Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are the species most commonly brought to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's; however, we have treated Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles as well.
To continue and fund this vital rehabilitation center, the Kelly Tarlton's Marine Wildlife Trust was established in 2010.