Celebrating World Turtle Day

Every cup can tell a bigger story. This World Turtle Day, we’re reflecting on the real wildlife impact made possible through our partnership with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors and one rescued sea turtle whose journey is a powerful reminder of why conservation matters.

Meet Alpha

Alpha is a sub-adult green sea turtle rescued off K'gari, the south-eastern coast of Queensland, after being found with fishing line trailing from his mouth. Beneath the surface, the situation was even more serious, a fishing hook lodged deep in his throat, threatening his ability to eat, breathe, and survive in the wild. Thanks to the expert care of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital team, Alpha was given a second chance.

Marine debris remains one of the biggest dangers sea turtles are facing in the wild. What starts as a single discarded fishing line can quickly become life-threatening for marine wildlife. Without intervention, Alpha's chances in the wild were slim.

When Alpha arrived at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the veterinary team carefully secured the line to prevent further harm and prepared a treatment plan. After stabilising him, the team performed a careful procedure to successfully remove the hook, avoiding the need for more invasive surgery. From there, Alpha’s recovery was encouraging. Soon after, Alpha was swimming strongly, eating well, and preparing to return home.

Once the team was confident in his recovery, Alpha was released back into the waters off K'gari, back to his home.

The Hospital Behind the Story

Alpha's rescue is one of hundreds the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital responds to every year. Each animal receives specialised treatment, rehabilitation, and around-the-clock care from the Wildlife Hospital team, all with the goal of returning them safely to the wild.

These rescues are more than individual success stories. They’re part of the bigger picture of protecting Australia’s wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.

What Your Cup is Part of

We talk a lot about coffee being more than just a cup. Alpha's story is what we mean.

Through our work with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors, we’re proud to support conservation initiatives that help protect wildlife both here in Australia and around the world. Stories like Alpha’s are a reminder that conservation isn’t something distant, it’s something we can all be part of through the choices we make and the communities we support.

When you choose Zarraffa's, you're part of a community that backs real conservation work, the kind that supports hospital care for turtles like Alpha, champions world-first breeding programs, and helps protect the ecosystems that wildlife depend on.

A Little More This World Turtle Day

The simplest thing you can do this World Turtle Day is keep the conversation going. Share Alpha's story, learn a little more about turtle conservation, and let your community know what's at stake.

And if you’d like to go even further, donating to Wildlife Warriors is a wonderful way to support their mission. Your contribution helps fund vital wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation initiatives.

Because every small action can help create a better future for wildlife. 🦒☕

Learn more about Australia Zoo's and Wildlife Warriors' conservation work:australiazoo.com.au |wildlifewarriors.org.au