New arrival in Sea World’s Quarantine Facility

On the 2nd of March 2011 a tiny hatchling was handed over to Sea World animal care staff by members of Calypso Diving. They had been out at sea when they came across a young turtle swimming around in circles obviously in distress.

Lemon, which is what the little Loggerhead was named, was in relatively good condition considering half his left hind flipper was missing. This was probably caused by a predatory fish or bird and resulted in his strange swimming behaviour. Treatment of his flipper started immediately and as he appeared hungry was offered a specialized turtle hatchling food which he ate with relish. However, it appears he now prefers prawns and roe to the compulsory “baby food”. Weighing only 33gms, little Lemon is one of the smallest animals brought into the Sea World rehabilitation facility and according to staff, not only the smallest, but the cutest.

Lemon who has now been at Sea World for two days, is doing very well and spends most of the day cruising around his new home, eating and sleeping every chance he gets.