Lucky Lugger in good hands

An endangered baby loggerhead turtle which was found in a bad way in Bremer Bay at the weekend is being nursed back to good health at Perth Zoo. The turtle, named Lugger, was found at the Bremer Bay boat harbour covered in algae and parasites after last week’s storms. Estimated to be only six to 12 months old, it was spotted by Whale Watch Western Australia before they went on an orca tour. Luckily, Lugger was able to hitchhike to Perth with a generous driver that night and was delivered to the zoo early the next morning. Whale Watch WA’s Gemma Sharp said Lugger was now in the first stage of assessment and was in good hands for rehabilitation. “It is unusual to find these baby turtles so far south — sometimes with strong storms and cyclones further north they can find themselves pushed further south,” she said. “Thankfully this little one was able to make it back to Perth in time which will give him the best possible opportunity of getting better. “A huge thank you to Jimmy, who gave Lugger the helping hand he needed and made sure his trip to Perth was a comfortable one.” Loggerhead turtles live in warm, shallow seas and estuaries. Turtles in WA waters migrate from feeding grounds in the sea between Australia and Indonesia.