The marine biologists at Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge heeded the call, with three sea turtle recovery missions in just three days.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c[A] sea turtle found stranded is most likely critically unwell and needs experienced care and veterinary assessment as soon as possible,\u201d the refuge posted on Facebook on December 2<\/a>, alongside pictures of the turtles.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, two of the turtles were critically unwell and did not survive. We still have one, \u2018Bear\u2019 the Hawksbill under veterinary care, as he is gravely unwell, too.\u201d<\/p>\n That was the start of a 90-plus-day healing journey for Bear \u2014 who was soon correctly identified as a female sea turtle. The most critical part of her recovery was the first couple of weeks, when she was still in the danger zone.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe initial stabilization phase requires several weeks, after which gradual changes help us monitor the pattern of physical recovery,\u201d the refuge wrote in a Facebook update<\/a>. \u201cThanks to the dedicated care from our team, Bear is now on a clear path towards recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n By March, when she was healthier and free from barnacles, Bear almost looked like a completely different turtle.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe increase in body weight is particularly encouraging, indicating improved overall health,\u201d the refuge said. \u201cA veterinary assessment and blood analysis are forthcoming to evaluate Bear’s status. Bear’s prospects for release are looking increasingly promising.\u201d<\/p>\n By March 21, Bear was well enough to be re-released to the ocean.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species, so her journey back to begin her reproductive life is so exciting and important to their species,\u201d the wildlife refuge wrote<\/a>. \u201cFor this reason, it was [such a] special\u00a0 feeling when she started improving, and further to see her so fit and ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Hawksbill sea turtles became critically endangered after a swift three-generation decline that caused their population to shrink by 80%.\u00a0<\/p>\n Although they can be found around the world in the subtropical waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, only 8,000 nesting females are left in the wild.<\/p>\n In her farewell post, the marine biologists and volunteers at Mudgeroo thanked everyone who had been involved in her rescue from start to finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no I in team, and dozens of people helped this happen,\u201d an employee at the refuge stated<\/a>. \u201cWe all need to know we do this all, for the conservation of the species, and should pat yourselves on the back. She is home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/69d6c0297e3109eae7e6acaf_sea-turtle-hawksbill-rescue.jpg\")
Bear soon after her December rescue. Image via Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/69d6c0586c2c893148d2f6fe_sea-turtle-hawksbill-rescue-barnacles.jpg\")
Bear after three months of recovery. Image via Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge<\/p>\n