Flatback Turtles (Natator depressus)

In 2009 a hatchling flatback turtle was rescued by Austurtle scientists working on Bare Sand Is, SW of Darwin. The turtle was found entangled in vegetation and would have died of dehydration.

The turtle was nurtured back to health at Charles Darwin University and in 2010 was offered to the Wildlife Park to be used to raise the public's awareness about the plight of sea turtles.

The turtle has been on display now for 7 months and is fast outgrowing its aquarium and it has now grown large enough to improve his chances of survival in the wild. The turtle will be released in a joint venture with Sea Darwin Turtle Tracks tours, Austurtle and the Territory Wildlife Park on the 3rd of June 2011. The turtle will be tagged for future identification purposes.

Future conservation work with Flatback turtles will continue in partnership with Sea Darwin and Austurtle to ensure the survival of these "ancient mariners".

Some interesting facts

Species: Natator depressus
Sex: Male
Age: 2 years and 11 months
Eats: Everything, but mostly squid and sea weed
Size: 42cm long by 35cm wide
Where will he be released: Offshore from Bare Sand Island, approximately 65km SW of Darwin
Want to learn more: Visit the Territory Wildlife Park