Two In, One Out: Inside Sydney’s Frontline Effort to Save Australia’s Sea Turtles

Photo credit Taronga Conservation Society Australia

A Remarkable Release Back to the Wild

At Sydney’s Taronga Wildlife Hospital, every patient tells a story of survival, science and hope. As summer approaches and coastal activity intensifies, the hospital has marked a powerful moment of success with the release of a vulnerable green turtle, while simultaneously admitting two new marine turtle patients in urgent need of care.

After more than eleven months of intensive rehabilitation, a green turtle affectionately known as Brownie was released back into the ocean near Fairy Bower Beach, Manly. The release represents one of the longest marine turtle rehabilitation journeys in the hospital’s 50-plus-year history and highlights the vital role wildlife hospitals play in protecting Australia’s marine life.


Photo credit Taronga Conservation Society Australia

Brownie’s Long Road to Recovery

Brownie Photo credit Taronga

Conservation Society Australia

Brownie was first admitted to Taronga Wildlife Hospital in early January 2025 after being found with multiple fishing hooks and extensive fishing line embedded in her flipper and gastrointestinal tract. Emergency veterinary intervention was required to remove the hooks and safely manage the passage of more than 1.6 metres of ingested fishing line.

Despite initial progress, Brownie’s recovery became complicated by severe swelling and restricted movement in her shoulder. Specialist assessments later confirmed a painful bone-borne bacterial infection, likely caused by the embedded hook. This condition required months of pain management, long-term antibiotics and dedicated daily care from Taronga’s veterinary and animal care teams.

In September, signs of improvement allowed Brownie to take the next step in her recovery. She was transferred to SEA LIFE Sydney’s Animal Rescue Centre, where she undertook nearly four months of pre-release conditioning to rebuild swimming endurance and diving strength in a controlled marine environment.

A Collaborative Conservation Success

Following ongoing veterinary assessments, including radiographs and blood testing, Brownie was finally cleared for release. On 18 December, she returned to the open ocean from a NSW Police vessel, watched proudly by teams from Taronga Wildlife Hospital and SEA LIFE Sydney.

The successful rehabilitation of Brownie underscores the importance of collaboration between wildlife organisations and marine rescue partners. It also demonstrates what is possible when long-term commitment and specialist expertise are applied to wildlife conservation.

A Timely Warning for Summer on the Water

While Brownie’s story ends in celebration, it also serves as a stark reminder of the risks recreational fishing poses to marine wildlife. Fishing line, hooks and discarded tackle remain among the leading causes of injury for sea turtles along Australia’s coastline.

Wildlife experts urge the public to fish responsibly by keeping equipment secured, removing all rubbish when leaving fishing sites, and never cutting fishing line if an animal becomes entangled. Promptly contacting wildlife rescue services can make the difference between life and death for injured animals.

Two New Patients and a Growing Need for Care

Splashing back to the wild. Photo credit
Taronga Conservation Society Australia

Even as celebrations concluded, Taronga’s veterinary teams were back at work caring for two new marine turtle admissions. An adult green turtle suffering severe fishing line entanglement injuries and a critically endangered loggerhead turtle weighing more than 110 kilograms were admitted within the same fortnight.

Both turtles are now undergoing surgery, treatment and rehabilitation, reinforcing the reality that marine wildlife rescue is a constant and growing challenge, particularly during peak summer months.

Looking Ahead: A New Wildlife Hospital for Sydney

To meet increasing demand, Taronga is constructing a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the new facility will feature specialised rehabilitation pools for marine turtles and seabirds, significantly expanding Taronga’s capacity to care for injured and endangered species.

For visitors to Sydney, Taronga Zoo and its wildlife hospital offer more than a day out. They provide a window into real conservation work happening every day, protecting Australia’s unique marine life and giving animals like Brownie a second chance to return home.

Web contact details www.taronga.org.au

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