What’s happening?
A major turtle rescue unfolded at the Boyne River this week, ending with a critically unwell turtle named Tony now receiving urgent treatment at Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
“Tony came in today; it was a major rescue effort by about 10 people at the Boyne River,” said Centre Manager Kim Van Oudheusden. “They attended on kayaks and in boats. Fisheries were even involved.”
After his rescue, Tony was transported to the centre for a full assessment including heart rate checks, blood tests, temperature monitoring, and x-rays.
Why it matters?
This rescue highlights the value of rapid medical diagnostics in turtle rehabilitation and the importance of community response in saving marine life. Floating and unable to dive, Tony showed classic signs of illness related to gas buildup — confirmed through an x-ray.
“The bloods don’t look great and there’s gas visible on the x-ray,” Kim explained. “That matches how he was presenting in the river.”
Local Impact
Tony is one of many turtles rescued and rehabilitated in Central Queensland. With the help of a $60,000 mobile x-ray machine funded by the Queensland Community Gambling Benefit Fund, the team can now fast-track treatment.
“I applied for a grant to get funding for a mobile x-ray machine,” Kim said. “We won that grant and are now able to x-ray every single turtle that comes in.”
This equipment was installed in December and has revolutionised how they handle urgent turtle cases.
By the Numbers:
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620: Tony is the 620th turtle admitted since the centre began in 2012.
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15: Turtles are currently in care at the centre, most of them juveniles.
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$60,000: Grant value from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund that funded the x-ray unit.
Zoom In
The ability to do in-house x-rays has transformed care at Quoin Island. Kim explained that their vet, based in Brisbane and also serving SeaWorld and international aquariums, only visits every six to eight weeks. “In between that time, it’s just so handy to have those x-rays and full blood work.”
She added, “It tells the whole story and he’s able to make the right diagnosis and then base his treatment plan on that.”
Zoom Out
Unusual post-mortem findings across Queensland suggest a wider environmental issue. “A lot of the large adults that came in recently passed away,” Kim said. “On post-mortems, they presented with large fecal balls, which is very unusual.”
This anomaly has drawn interest from Australia Zoo and Taronga Zoo. Australia Zoo’s turtle supervisor, currently completing a PhD, has now included these cases in his study.
What to Look For Next?
Researchers are analysing samples collected by Australia Zoo to understand what’s causing these intestinal blockages. Findings could impact turtle conservation efforts statewide.
If locals spot an injured or distressed turtle, Kim advises: “Always just call us on our 24-7 hotline. We will always pick up.”
She also recommends the QWildlife app, saying, “It will come up with your exact location and you can add photos. It automatically sends the alert to us.”
