Lolli and Harold swim back home

Two endangered turtles, Lolli the loggerhead and Harold the hawksbill, have been successfully returned to the ocean after months of rehabilitation at the Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium.

The release, carried out on March 6, was a collaborative effort between the Shire of Exmouth and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Exmouth shire president Matt Niikkula said the shire was “fortunate” to have a rehabilitation facility to care for marine turtles at the Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium.

“Our partnership with DBCA highlights the power of shared responsibility to safeguard natural assets and strengthen advocacy for the environment surrounding Exmouth,” he said.

Both turtles were rescued after being reported by members of the public.

Harold, a large adult male hawksbill turtle, was found on September 12, 2024 near the Tantabiddi boat ramp with flipper injuries from an attack by a predator, float syndrome, and a blood fluke parasite.

Lolli, a loggerhead turtle, was discovered on July 17, 2025 along the Exmouth Gulf shoreline with shell damage, a flipper infection, and float syndrome, probably caused by a boat strike.

Each turtle’s rehabilitation involved unique care tailored to their specific needs.

Harold’s recovery offered valuable research insights into the critically endangered hawksbill population, with around 2000 nesting annually along Australia’s North West coast.

Lolli was fitted with a satellite tag before release, allowing researchers to track her movements and support conservation efforts for the vulnerable loggerhead species, with 1500-2000 known annual nests in WA.

The turtles were released together from a vessel in the first offshore release of rehabilitated turtles in Exmouth.

The shire’s aquarium team managed daily care, while DBCA co-ordinated rescue, veterinary support, transport, and release logistics, ensuring both turtles returned safely to their ocean home.