Efforts are being made to help recover a Pacific green turtle that washed ashore at Titikaveka beach yesterday.

Concerned residents called Cook Islands News and when the newspaper arrived on the scene, the turtle was being looked after and monitored by young children.

They provided shade using an umbrella and poured water over the turtle while it lay still.

Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco-Centre owner Stephenie Jansen, who was also present, said two turtles of the same species were discovered last year.

Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco- Centre owner Stephenie Jansen took the turtle for a medical examination at the marine centre in Arorangi. 23010640

Pacific green turtles are endangered but not as endangered as the hawksbill sea turtles, says Jansen.

The turtles that washed ashore in the past had gut-related health issues which impacted their bowels. One was also severely underweight.

“When they come up to the shore, it usually means something is seriously wrong,” Jansen said.

In absence of a veterinarian who specialises in turtles, she said they would do what they can to help the turtle.

“We just do what we can to help them recover.”

Jansen was planning to give the turtle a fresh water bath last night to remove any parasites that may affect the reptile before placing it in a larger recovery pool. Fish was on the menu for dinner, she said.

Jansen added that veterinarians would check on the turtle today.

“In the meantime it’s a matter of taking care of his basic needs and hoping that nature will actually help him heal.”