Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue Inc

31/08/2025

Meet Quinny

Quinny was rescued from Cook Island, Fingal Head after the Marine Rescue Point Danger team observed him floating and unable to dive.

When he was brought into our care, it was clear he was very swollen and suffering from floating syndrome. He was then taken to the team at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, where they identified mild dehydration, air in the coelomic cavity, minor oral lesions, respiratory disease, and some shell damage.

Quinny was placed on a course of antibiotics and is improving every day. While he is still dealing with floating syndrome, which can take time to resolve, he is bright, alert, and eating really well in care.

Let’s all send Quinny lots of love for a speedy recovery. 💚🐢

28/08/2025

Last week, our rescuer attended a call-out for a pelican stuck in the mangroves at South Ballina. When she arrived, she trekked through the mangroves to find the bird entangled, its bill and foot connected by a large fishing lure with three-pronged hooks embedded deeply, along with a large amount of fishing line.

This poor pelican was suffering terribly, and without that call, it would have faced a slow and painful death. The bird was taken to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, but sadly had to be euthanised, as the hooks had penetrated the bone and caused irreversible damage. The pelican was also in very poor body condition, showing it had likely been suffering for some time.

⚠️ This is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of discarding fishing gear responsibly. If you accidentally hook a bird, please don’t cut the line, contact your local wildlife group immediately for assistance. Your call could save a life.

25/08/2025

20/08/2025

Please read 🙏

11/08/2025

It’s been a busy couple of days for us, with six new patients arriving into care. After the big swells over the weekend, we’re starting to see rescue numbers rise and expect more in the coming days.

If you come across a sick or injured sea turtle, seabird, shorebird, or sea snake, please call our rescue number on 0428 862 852 immediately.

Together, we can give them the best chance of survival.

06/08/2025

ASTR operates on 5 peaceful acres but it takes a bit to maintain. Our old ride on mower did its last rounds this month and until we source a new one the legends (Brett)at Lennox Lawns are making sure the grounds stay neat n tidy...gratis. They do a great job. Thankyou

01/08/2025

This is the devastating reality of human impact on our sea turtles.
This green sea turtle was rescued from Woody Head after being found stranded on the beach, suffering with fishing line tightly embedded around its left flipper. The damage was severe, so much so that the flipper would have required amputation.
The turtle was emaciated, covered in epibiota, and clearly fighting an infection. It was in pain.
Despite receiving urgent care and pain relief from the incredible team Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital this turtle sadly succumbed to its injuries.
These are the cases that hit the hardest, because they are entirely preventable. A single discarded fishing line can destroy a life.
Please, if you fish, dispose of your line and tackle responsibly. If you see marine debris, pick it up. Small actions on land can save lives in the sea.
We owe it to our wildlife to do better. 💔🐢

29/07/2025

It’s been a busy 2024/25 financial year for us at Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue, with 393 animals rescued across the North Coast of NSW.

As a small organisation based in the Northern Rivers, we respond to calls for help from Tweed to the Sandon River, rescuing seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles, and sea snakes along our beautiful coastline.

A massive thank you to our staff, volunteers, veterinarians and nurses, donors, sponsors, and the incredible community who contact us when they come across an injured or sick animal. We couldn’t do what we do without your continued support.

Together, we’re making a real difference for our wildlife, one rescue at a time. 💚

27/07/2025

✨Meet Honey✨

Honey was rescued from Woody Head after being observed lingering in the rock pools for several days. She was taken to the team at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital for assessment, where several health concerns were identified.

These included changes to her lungs indicating respiratory dysfunction, damage to her left eye and flipper (an old injury not currently causing issues), changes in her bloodwork suggestive of inflammation or infection, and a small wound on her vertebral scute.

Honey was given a course of antibiotics and is improving daily. While she still has a long road ahead, we’re hopeful for a full recovery.

Send lots of love to Honey as she continues to heal. 💚🐢

26/07/2025

Would you like to join our rescue and transport team!
We are urgently needing volunteers to join our rescue team.

🌟 Help rescue and transport sea turtles, seabird & shorebirds.
🌟 Be supported by a small team of rescuers and hospital volunteers.
🌟 Training will be provided.

If this sounds like you or someone you know or you want to know more information contact [email protected]