Reduce plastic use and save a turtle’s life

We have all seen the images of helium balloons at some celebration, floating away to the horizon, and wondered where they would eventually go.

Well, in the case of one very unlucky green turtle Ella, the final destination was the turtle’s stomach.

On April 18, volunteers from the Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast (ASRCC) rescued a very sick green marine turtle at Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly, after volunteers saw a picture of it on a Facebook scuba page.

After she was taken to a veterinary hospital and examined, it became clear she was suffering from pneumonia and septicaemia. What was not clear until several days later, after she was given antibiotics and oily fish to help her eat better and return to normal bowel activity, was a yellow balloon with a 2.5 metre string attached as well as a plastic bag. They were embedded inside her stomach and emerged after several days of bowel movements.

Ella’s condition is still touch and go, and it is not clear what damage has been done to her internal organs, but volunteers are optimistic she will make a full recovery, and will eventually return to her home in Cabbage Bay.

This is a timely reminder about the damage plastics can do in our environment. Please consider Ella and animals like her and rethink your use of single use plastics like balloons, straws and disposable water bottles. Small changes can have a big impact.

Ella and her mates will be most thankful!