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Bear, a critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle, was released months after she was discovered covered in barnacles and in “gravely unwell” condition

Hawksbill sea turtles are listed as critically endangered under the Endangered Species Act

“Her journey back to begin her reproductive life is so exciting & important to their species,” the Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge wrote about the turtle’s release

A critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle named Bear has returned to the ocean, months after she was discovered stranded on the Australian shoreline.

Back in December, Bear was found covered in barnacles and stranded on a beach in Bermagui alongside two other “critically unwell” turtles that did not survive, according to the Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge.

Bear was in a “gravely unwell” state herself. Her rescuers provided her with experienced care, cleaned off her barnacles, and saw “great improvement” in two days, winning the animal over with some homemade fish smoothies. Once the sea turtle got out of critical condition, the animal’s caretakers at Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge and Bermagui Veterinary Clinic focused on getting Bear healthy enough to be released.

By the time March came around, the Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge shared a hopeful update on Bear’s “steady progress” in recovery.

“The initial stabilization phase requires several weeks, after which gradual changes help us monitor the pattern of physical recovery,” the refuge wrote on Facebook. “Thanks to the dedicated care from our team, Bear is now on a clear path towards recovery.”

“The increase in body weight is particularly encouraging, indicating improved overall health,” the post continued. “A veterinary assessment and blood analysis are forthcoming to evaluate Bear’s status. Bear’s prospects for release are looking increasingly promising.”

In the following weeks, Bear left the South Coast and began her journey north to Anna Bay for her release.

“The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species, so her journey back to begin her reproductive life is so exciting & important to their species,” the wildlife refuge wrote on March 21. “For this reason, it was so special a feeling when she started improving, and further to see her so fit and ready to go.”

Hawksbill sea turtles are listed as critically endangered under the Endangered Species Act and have been hunted for their meat and beautiful shells. Although hawksbill products were banned internationally in the 1990s, per the World Wildlife Fund, illegal trade continues, with demand re-emerging in recent years.

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“We are really so grateful to those that helped us get up here for this release,” the facility continued. “There is no I in team, and dozens of people helped this happen. We all need to know we do this all, for the conservation of the species, and should pat yourselves on the back. She is home.”

In videos of Bear’s release, one of her rescuers slowly lowers the turtle into the water, after which the turtle immediately swims away to begin her new life in the wild.

“Bear is finally strong and free and out to sea,” the Bermagui Veterinary Clinic wrote on Facebook. “We are absolutely THRILLED to see this. Good luck, Bear, and thank you to everyone who helped along the way.”

“Every single hawksbill sea turtle is precious,” the clinic added. “We must protect them from extinction.”

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