Rare turtle with pneumonia needs surgery

Photo / Megan Singleton

Vets at Massey University are fighting to save the life of an endangered sea turtle with pneumonia after it washed up on a Horowhenua beach.

The green sea turtle is usually found in tropical waters, with Australia's North Queensland coast its closest known habitat.

This 70cm long female was found on Otaki Beach on Wednesday morning, suffering from dehydration, shock, a fractured shell and pneumonia.

Massey wildlife veterinarian Kerri Morgan it was the first turtle she had seen in New Zealand.

"It's unusual for them to venture this far south, the cold water has given her 'cold shock' and we are doing what we can for her," Ms Morgan said.

The 28kg turtle would be kept at the university's wildlife centre in Palmerston North until she was well again.

The wildlife clinic was planning to bring in a tank to house her while she recovered.

In the meantime she was being kept in warm water and hooked up to a fluid drip.

"There are biosecurity issues with taking her back to her habitat, but if she makes it there on her own once she is well, that's fine," a spokesman said.

- NZPA