Creating the most effective treatment hub for the growing number of marine turtles needing lifesaving care at Taronga is a complex undertaking.

Landing on the final configurations for the recovery of sick and injured turtles required our experts to call on input from interstate and internationally to ensure our facilities will best support the rehabilitation and recovery of endangered turtles. These learnings have lead to the optimal dimensions for the spatial environment of tanks to best support the recovery of endangered turtles.

One size doesn’t fit all. When treating turtles in varying health conditions, weighing anywhere from 100 grams to 500kg, designing for flexibility is key.

The marine facility will comprise of a series tanks of varying sizes. A specially designed primary tank, the largest of the tanks, will be used to conduct initial health assessments of newly admitted turtles. The veterinary team will be able to investigate a turtle’s diving and swimming capabilities, any injuries to flippers and the severity of injuries. At the other end of the treatment plan, the same pool will serve as a pre-release fitness tank, where space and depth are necessary for the turtles to build up their chest muscles and diving skills ready for their return back to the wild.

A mezzanine level will be incorporated into the build for safe handling and access to the animals, and for the vets to work safely at a height. Hoists will improve the safety of moving turtles and considerations of transporting turtles, at times weighing up to 500kg, on potentially slippery surfaces are key.