Michala

Arafura and Timor Sea turtle tracking

A project of NAMRA.

click map for full-size version Michala (Flatback Turtle) is 8 km SW of the coast of Australia and 53 km from Darwin

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Species: Flatback Turtle
Life Stage: Adult
Gender: Female
Release Date: 2012-12-07 11:10:00
Release Location: Lee Point
Last Location: 2013-02-07 13:38:07

Adoptive Parents:
Sanna Blad

Background

This turtle was found floating on the water surface on September 12th, just 2 km SW of Cape Hotham. "Floaters" can't dive due to an accumulation of gass in the intestine as a result of a blockage. This can lead to starvation. The fishermen who found the turtle did the right thing to bring her into their boat and take her to the ARK animal hospital where she was treated and rehabilitated for 1 month. She then moved to a bigger tank at the Charles Darwin University until she was completely healthy and ready for release back into the Timor Sea.