What was once a severely injured green sea turtle has finally returned to her home waters off the Fairy Bower Beach near Manly, after surviving a complex medical battle that required almost a year of intensive care from local wildlife experts at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.
A Difficult Rescue
The turtle, known affectionately by locals as Brownie, was in a critical state when divers found her off Shelly Beach in January. She was struggling to swim and had become trapped in more than a metre of fishing line, with several hooks stuck in her body. Rescuers immediately took her to Taronga Wildlife Hospital, where the veterinary team discovered the extent of her injuries.
The situation was dire for the marine animal. Veterinary staff had to remove the embedded hooks and help her pass 1.67 metres of fishing line through her system. A specialist scan later showed she had developed a bone infection in her front left flipper, likely caused by one of the hooks. This infection meant Brownie needed a long course of antibiotics and pain relief to have any chance of survival.
The Road to Recovery
Brownie’s treatment became one of the longest cases in the history of Taronga Wildlife Hospital. Veterinarian Gabi Tobias noted that releasing a vulnerable species back into the wild is a unique feeling and highlighted the teamwork required to save the animal. After eight months of medical attention, Brownie moved to SEA LIFE Sydney for the next stage of her journey.
At the new facility, she spent four months building up her swimming and diving strength. Staff monitored her progress closely with X-rays and blood tests to ensure she was ready for the ocean. On December 18, a NSW Police Boat carried the rehabilitated turtle offshore near Fairy Bower Beach. The team released her back into the area she is known to inhabit, marking the end of her 11-month recovery.
A Warning for Anglers
While Brownie’s story ended well, wildlife carers are worried about recent trends in the area. In the weeks leading up to Brownie’s release, the hospital admitted two more turtles with serious injuries from fishing gear. One of them is a critically endangered loggerhead turtle weighing over 110 kilograms. Both animals are now undergoing surgery and treatment.
Experts are urging people to be more careful when fishing to protect local marine life. The veterinary team advised anglers to keep all fishing lines, hooks, and bait covered and to take all rubbish home with them. They also stressed that if someone accidentally hooks or sees an injured animal, they should not cut the line but instead call a wildlife rescue group immediately, as this action could save the animal’s life.
Published Date 06-December-2026
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney/ Facebook
