Kimiora te Onu, the Pacific green turtle that beached at Titikaveka over a week ago, was released into the lagoon near Avaavaroa Passage on Friday.

The turtle was taken to the Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco-Centre where she was looked after by the centre’s owner Stephenie Jansen and local veterinarians.

Jansen said the turtle was released after a turtle veterinarian from Hawaii confirmed that she (the turtle) was ok to be released back into its natural habitat.

Te Ara O Te Onu – Turtle Conservation Society president Jules Tamaariki said through the vet’s advice, Kimiora te Onu was released once she had some energy and was eating.

Tamaariki said there seemed to have been no obvious reason for her beaching.

“This is the third year in a row we have had a sick turtle to rehab at this time of the year,” she said.

She says there are now more people in the lagoon using nets over the holidays and they are aware of a turtle getting caught in a net.

Tamaariki advises if anyone discovers a sick turtle, they should call the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Te Are Manu or the turtle society.

“They should not touch them, unless they are in a vulnerable position or caught up in nets.”