Algies Bay Beach had a surprising visitor on its shores on Sunday, in the form of a sea turtle.

The women who found the turtle contacted the Department of Conservation (DOC) to make sure it wasn't in any danger. The turtle was very lethargic, causing concerns that it may have ingested plastic, or be suffering from chronic illness that is often seen in sea turtles. 

DOC took the turtle to Auckland Zoo for medical treatment.

Of the seven species of marine turtles, five can be found in New Zealand's waters, and all are classed as endangered, with some being on the verge of extinction. Turtles are generally found in warmer tropical waters but can get washed into colder areas if they are weak from injury or sickness.

Turtles found on New Zealand beaches most commonly suffer from dehydration, cold shock, and starvation. Other issues include missing limbs or large wounds, bacterial infections and fishhook or plastic pollution ingestion, to name a few.

Calling DOC was the right thing to do in this situation. DOC staff attend beached or entangled sea turtles. Those that are found alive may be sent to a specialist facility such as an aquarium for rehabilitation. Dead specimens may be given to museums and scientists for research and educational purposes.

All reptiles, including sea turtles, are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. This means it is illegal to kill or harass any species of sea turtle within New Zealand's Territorial Sea or Exclusive Economic Zone.

The turtle will most likely be sent to Kelly Tarlton’s for rehabilitation and kept in quarantine to ensure it is as healthy as possible before being released back into the ocean. The Auckland aquarium provides a temporary home for these amazing creatures for anything from a few months up to three years.