Sea turtle rehabilitation centres treat hundreds of turtles annually with traumatic injuries, disease, and entanglement - welfare in care and successful release are the ultimate goals.
Sea turtle rehabilitation welfare requires balancing acute medical care with preparation for successful wild release. Long-term captivity creates welfare challenges - turtles accustomed to human food sources and calm conditions may struggle after release. Best practice rehabilitation minimises habituation, focuses on returning turtles to wild foraging behaviour, and ensures health is fully restored before release. The welfare cost of rehabilitation (temporary captivity, procedures) is justified by the conservation and individual welfare benefit of successful release. Supporting rehabilitation centres is a direct welfare impact action.