The Pacific green turtle that washed ashore in Titikaveka a week ago has been christened Kimiora te Onu – the turtle who found life.

Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco-Centre owner Stephenie Jansen, who came to the turtle’s rescue with the help of some children who were playing at the beach, said the turtle could be released back into the ocean today.

Jansen said the turtle appeared to have had severe constipation and is now recovering and regaining her strength.

She said the apple and cucumber smoothies seem to be “moving things along” and once its faeces are “looser” they could release the turtle.

According to Jansen the adult turtles are vegetarian and thanked Oasis Hydroponics for dropping off some lettuce at the centre free of charge.

“She (the turtle) is having the occasional nibble on it. Such a kind gesture,” Jansen said.

Earlier this week Dr Michael Baer, the medical director at Te Are Manu Clinic, who examined the turtle on Saturday, told Cook Islands News “it was quite strong and doing quite well”.

“We gave some antibiotics and some anti-inflammatory as precautionary measure and it seemed much healthier.”

Baer’s advice to people who come across turtles washed up on Rarotonga beaches is “not to touch them and call Jules Tamaariki from Ariki Adventures who runs a turtle trust or contact Te Are Manu and Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco-Centre for help”.