Kalani, a spirited Australian sea turtle, didn’t always shine the way she does today. Her journey began on a heartbreaking note earlier this year when she was found stranded on Lennox Head Beach in New South Wales.
A passerby spotted the struggling turtle and quickly contacted Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue (ASTR). Rescuers rushed to her side and brought her to their center for an initial check before transferring her to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital for a full examination.
Vets discovered that Kalani was dangerously lethargic. Her body was weighed down with epibiota — barnacles, algae, and even leeches — that had taken over her shell and skin. She also had an injury on her left flipper.
Normally, turtles and epibiota coexist without much issue. Healthy turtles can brush them off when needed. But sick turtles, like Kalani, don’t have the strength to keep the growth under control. As a result, the heavy load slowed her down, making it nearly impossible for her to swim or survive in the wild.
Determined to give her a second chance, the ASTR team began treatment right away. They carefully removed the organisms, tended to her wound, and gave her medication. Recovery was slow, but little by little, Kalani began to regain her strength.
Weeks later, the transformation was undeniable.
Kalani’s shell gleamed, her eyes sparkled, and her spirit returned.
“As turtles get healthier, their personalities really start to shine,” said Amanda Philp, ASTR’s assistant general manager. “Kalani is now the boss of our pre-release tank. She’s always the first one to show up at feeding time. We all adore her.”
Kalani will remain under care through the winter to ensure she’s fully ready for the ocean again. If all goes well, she’ll return to her ocean home this spring — healthier, stronger, and ready to thrive.
“Watching her defy the odds has been incredible,” Philp said. “She’s now healthy and truly flourishing.”
To support turtles like Kalani, donations can be made to Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue.
