Sea Turtle Foundation visit to the Magnetic Island Network for Turtles (MINT) organisation
After attending the Marine Turtle Symposium in Townsville, Gabby, Ewa, and Scott from the Sea Turtle Foundation team had the opportunity to spend the morning with the Magnetic Island Network for Turtles (MINT).
MINT is a volunteer-based group focused on rehabilitating sea turtles. They take in turtles suffering from injuries (mostly hit by boats), malnutrition, or conditions like floating syndrome, which affects their ability to dive for food. MINT’s goal is to nurse these turtles back to health and release them into the wild.
MINT works closely with James Cook University (JCU) to support their rehabilitation efforts. Through this partnership, MINT has access to JCU’s CT scans for diagnosing injuries. Sometimes turtles found by JCU researchers are brought to MINT for care. A vet from JCU regularly visits to check on the turtles’ health and assist with treatments, making sure they get the medical attention they need.
During our visit, we saw their saltwater pump system which filters and recycles the water used in the tanks in which the turtles are cared for. Each turtle has a detailed chart with its name, injury or illness, treatment plan, and feeding schedule.
MINT relies heavily on volunteers who assist with daily tasks like caring for the turtles, maintaining the pump system, and preparing food. For larger turtles, they use a custom jet ski trailer and a special sling to safely transport them. The team also works hard to minimise human interaction with the turtles during rehabilitation to help prepare them for life back in the ocean.
MINT is funded through donations and fundraising efforts and the money goes toward medical supplies, equipment, and maintaining the facility. Contributions, whether financial or through volunteering, are critical to helping them continue their work.
Our visit to MINT was inspiring and we are glad that we were able to learn so much from our neighbours. If you want to know more about the great work that the MINT team does, please visit their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/MIturtles
