Endangered Sea Turtle Learns To Swim Again After Losing Two Flippers

2020 has been a challenging year for many of us, but there are always bright sides to find. For the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, there’s a huge reason to celebrate this year. An endangered sea turtle they rescued over five years ago is finally being released back into the ocean.

The Olive Ridley Turtle named Lou had been found caught in a fishing net off the coast of Cape York. As a result of her injuries, she completely lost her front left and back right flippers. According to their Facebook post, the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre immediately got to work operating on her before sending her to their intensive unit for rehabilitation.

Despite only having two flippers left, Lou has defied the odds and learned to swim again.

After five years of rehabilitation, Lou slowly adapted and learned to use her tail as a rudder. Once she could swim again, she was flown back to Cape York and released into the waters.

The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre shared photos of the turtle on October 26th, 2020 being taken out for release, saying, “Lou has left the building , and had begun his long journey back home to his waters up the Cape. Flying out tomorrow yay !🌟 see ya later Fitzroy!”

Then on October 28th, they shared the photos of Lou, free in the ocean for the first time in over five years. They wrote, “Lou after a long journey by plane and 4 wheel drive was released on the Cape this morning. It was a wonderful release and huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible .
You’ve got this Lou !”

Many people in the comments had been following Lou’s story since she was first rescued in 2015. There was a mix of bitter-sweet emotions as people said goodbye to their favorite turtle.

“Oh my beautiful. Stay safe, swim free you will always be in my heart 💙💙,” one person commented.

“How wonderful, Lord Lou always one of my faves 😊 Good Luck Lou! ❤” another said.

Before her release into the ocean, Lou was fitted with a temporary tracking device. Since she was released 20 days ago, she has already traveled 312 KM. You can follow her journey live here. Way to go, Lou!