An eager scramble, a quiet splash and six healthy turtles were returned to their native habitat by local wildlife rescue volunteers at a City of Gosnells wetland this month.
The six female Southwestern Snake-necked Turtles had been rescued from drying wetlands last summer by City staff and concerned residents, before being nursed back to health by staff and volunteers at Darling Range Wildlife Shelter.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said the City worked closely with Darling Range Wildlife Shelter to care for local wildlife.
“Well done to everyone who played a part in rescuing and rehabilitating these turtles,” she said.
“Apart from being beautiful, they are an important part of our local ecosystem and I’m honoured I could be here to see them return to the wild.”
Darling Range Wildlife Shelter Clinical and General Manager Yasmin Hunter said returning these turtles to good health had been a challenge for carers, as they required complex care.
“One of these turtles was a huge, emaciated female who was so floppy the City staff members who brought her in thought she had died on her way to the shelter,” she said.
“We named her Froggy and she spent a total of six weeks in Intensive Care, receiving injectable fluids, tube feeding, medications and careful monitoring with no water, as she was too weak to lift her head. Froggy and her friends from Thornlie have made amazing progress and are ready to go back to the wild.”
Ms Hunter said South-western Snake-necked Turtles, which are endemic apex predators within the local urban wetlands, are vital for a balanced ecosystem.
“It's extremely important that these adult females return to their wetland habitats so they can hopefully breed successfully and help preserve this beautiful native species for generations to come,” she said.
“It's a pleasure to walk alongside the City’s Mayor and Environmental Team to share this wonderful outcome.”
Populations of South-western Snake-necked Turtles (Chelodina oblonga) are declining, with the animals under threat from traffic, cats, dogs, foxes, fencing that blocks turtles from migrating, illegal fishing and declining natural habitat.
Anyone who finds injured or sick wildlife in the City of Gosnells should contact Darling Range Wildlife Shelter on 9474 9055.
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