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Matilda still waltzing the Reef

Matilda the Hawksbill turtle became a marine celebrity when she was released into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef at Green Island nearly 2 years ago, being the first turtle in our region to be fitted with a satellite tracking device. And she is still calling Green Island home!

After making a full recovery from ‘floaters disease’ under the care of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, the once critically ill turtle is providing an insight into how turtles live in the Great Barrier Reef, how and where they travel.

Jenny Gilbert, turtle researcher from the CTRC and James Cook University said Matilda is still calling Green Island home, with frequent visits out to Arlington Reef and has been tracked as far north as the Agincourt ribbon reefs.

Matilda, a juvenile turtle aged about 15 – 20 years was in rehabilitation for 19 months after being found off Mission beach with “floaters disease”, which prevents the turtle from diving and therefore feeding.

With another Hawksbill turtle due to be released at Green Island soon, Quicksilver Group Managing Director, Tony Baker said “Green Island is a natural habitat for turtles and we’re pleased to assist with the wonderful work by CTRC a-not-for-profit organisation. Their work is vital in assisting sick and injured turtles back into the wild and donations from companies such as ours and the wider community are vital.”

Matilda TurtleMatilda the Turtle