Primeape the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
May 2nd, 2026. The Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and Sea Shelter team released a Loggerhead Turtle off a beach near Hawks Nest. This is her story.
Loggerhead turtles are listed as endangered by the NSW State Government and the Commonwealth Government. Named for their large, powerful heads, which allow them to crush hard‑shelled prey like crabs and molluscs, loggerhead turtles can weigh up to 180 kg and live 50+ years. They play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by controlling prey populations and, like most sea turtle species, travel thousands of kilometres between feeding and nesting grounds.
As a team, we decided back in October last year to give our rescued turtles Pokémon names, and this beautiful female loggerhead was collectively named Primeape.
Rescue
March 8th, 2026. Primeape was found laying on the beach in Hawks Nest, upside down and unable to right herself, exhausted and tangled amongst kelp and weeds, Irukandji was called and a turtle rescue was underway. The Hawks Nest beach she was released was the same spot she was rescued almost 2 months prior. The Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club volunteers played an integral role in her rescue, providing the people power needed!
Her initial weight of 87kg meant that the rescue was no easy feat. Taking multiple volunteers to help lift, move and transport her safely to our marine quarantine facilities on site in Anna Bay.
Treatment and Care
Our amazing veterinarian examined her and the initial findings showed no obvious issues based on blood work, however she was underweight. Radiography revealed no obvious foreign fish hooks but the possibility of obstruction from plastic ingestion still remained. We were hopeful to give her an MRI but unfortunately she was too large.
During her time with us she was found to be improving (yay!) Eventually she passed some plastic bag fragments which gave the team a clue into the source of her discomfort and distress. Following this she started to eat well and gain weight, chewing through 2.5-5kg of food a day.
Preparation for Release
Eventually, after putting on a good 30kg+ Primeape was given a clean bill of health and was cleared for release in conjunction with NPWS and NSW DPI Offices.
Release
Where is she now?
With the permission of the Taronga Conservation Society we would love to share this link to view the travel map of Primeape the loggerhead turtle, following her release on May the 2nd. Check in regularly to see where she’s made it to! https://my.wildlifecomputers.com/data/map/?id=69fbf75c71e5a13afc01b88c
Data such as this is so important. Knowing, with data, the areas these animals use for feeding, resting and breeding can be crucial information when considering ecological importance. Data such as this can be used as evidence for protecting and respecting certain areas. After approximately a year we can expect the tracker to fall off, and it will be collected.
How You Can Help
If you ever find a turtle or other marine reptile in distress don’t hesitate to call us directly on 02 4982 2476. Or try the NPWS Hotline on 1300 072 757
Visiting Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters goes a long way towards supporting our turtles. Funds from Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters directly support the Sea Shelter operations through site and operational costs, vet fees, licensing and insurance, to name a few. Our Turtle Conservation Encounter is another way to go above an beyond as majority of the encounter cost goes to supporting Sea Shelter, and as a bonus you’ll get up close an personal with Patty, our beautiful resident green sea turtle, and learn about turtle conservation in the process – a true win win.
