An endangered turtle, normally found in tropical climes, has washed up at Wellington's Lyall Bay beach.
Lisa Argilla (left) and veterinary nurse Sam Hector tending to the turtle at Wellington Zoo. Photo: Wellington Zoo
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle was discovered on the beach on Friday afternoon with an open wound that has left bone exposed.
The turtle is now undergoing treatment at Wellington Zoo.
Veterinarian scientist Lisa Argilla said the turtle had a 50 percent chance of survival.
"I don't think he could have picked a worse week actually to get off track because it's been freezing, especially around Wellington last week and that cold temperature and that cold water he would not be used to that and that's what's caused a lot of his issues."
Dr Argilla said the turtle was found hypothermic and barely responsive.
She said the turtle's species was generally found in the tropical belts of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.