Published on Thursday, 12 March 2026 at 1:51:39 PM

Two endangered species of turtle have been released back to the ocean in Exmouth Gulf after a collaborative rehabilitation success between the Shire of Exmouth and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Lolli the loggerhead and Harold the hawksbill have had remarkable journeys of recovery, and represent the power that partnership can have in wildlife care and conservation efforts.

Shire President Matt Niikkula said, “We are fortunate to have a turtle rehabilitation facility to care for marine turtles, here at the Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium. Our partnership with DBCA highlights the power of shared responsibility to safeguard natural assets and strengthen advocacy for the environment surrounding Exmouth.”

The rescued turtles, Lolli and Harold, were reported to DBCA by members of the public and brought to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre separately, and have been by each other's side during their recovery. They were released together by DBCA and the Shire of Exmouth rehabilitation teams on 6 March 2026 to continue their lives as turtles in the wild.

Harold, a large male adult hawksbill turtle, was reported to DBCA by a member of the public on 12 September 2024 near the Tantabiddi boat ramp within Ningaloo Marine Park. His condition was assessed by the team and deemed suitable for rescue and rehabilitation. With significant injuries to his flippers from a predation attack, inability to swim from float syndrome and a common parasite known as blood fluke, Harold’s recovery journey was an extensive round-the-clock effort by the Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium aquarist team, DBCA and local veterinarians.

Each turtle that comes into care has a unique situation and characteristics, requiring the team to learn each turtle’s different care requirements, leading to unique bonds, behaviours and relationships forming.

Harold presented a rare opportunity to learn more about the critically endangered species with approximately 2,000 hawksbills nesting annually on the northwest coast of Australia, one of the largest nesting populations in the world. Harold's rehabilitation and release will contribute to the recovery and conservation of the population.

Lolli the loggerhead was reported to DBCA by a member of the public on 17 July 2025 on the shoreline of Exmouth Gulf. DBCA transported Lolli to the Aquarist team, where she has been on a significant journey towards recovery from being too weak to be beneath the surface independently with extensive shell damage and a flipper infection likely from a boat strike, resulting in float syndrome. Float syndrome is deadly to turtles. Lolli gained strength and weight steadily under care from the team, and assistance from DBCA in receiving specialist veterinary treatment.

This release provided an exceptionally rare opportunity to place a satellite tag on Lolli, to assist in research and data to contribute to the conservation of the endangered loggerhead species. The tag will transmit data of Lolli’s movements until it detaches naturally, providing valuable insight into conservation efforts to support the vulnerable species, with estimates of 1500-2000 known to nest annually in WA [Follow Lolli’s journey here].

The successful rehabilitation and release of these turtles reflects a genuine partnership between the Shire of Exmouth and DBCA. From the initial public call‑outs and rescues, through veterinary care and daily husbandry, to the final vessel‑based release, every stage was a shared effort. DBCA provided rescue response, transport, veterinary support, and release logistics, while the Shire’s Aquarium team delivered the intensive day‑to‑day care required for the turtles’ recovery.

This collaboration marks the first time rehabilitated turtles in Exmouth have been released offshore by vessel, made possible through DBCA’s staff, and patrol vessel working alongside Shire aquarium specialists. Together, the two organisations ensured both turtles returned safely and strongly to their ocean home.

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Nic Errol | Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth

E: communications@exmouth.wa.gov.au

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