Adopt a turtle

Save our spectacular sea turtles

Australia is lucky enough to support the largest remaining green and hawksbill turtle breeding populations in the world, off the northern Great Barrier Reef.

But every day, turtles are threatened by pollution, lose their nesting beaches to coastal developments, face accidental capture by commercial fishing, and are traded illegally for their shells.

There’s also the deadly legacy left by plastic, with 8 million tonnes that enter our oceans every year, choking and smothering turtles and other sea creatures.

Adopting a turtle today will protect this vulnerable species by helping to repopulate and restore their watery habitats for generations to come. Your generosity will be a symbol of your support for conversation and animal advocacy, ensuring our magnificent turtles remain in our waters forever.

And for every turtle you assist, you'll also help other marine life as well as teaching younger generations about the importance of conservation.

How your donation helps at-risk turtles

By adopting a turtle today, you ensure their survival by protecting, and restoring their beautiful habitats. It also provides a brighter future not only for turtles but all those who call their marine ecosystem home.

Disturbing imagery obtained by WWF-Australia shows the destructive impact of commercial gill nets in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Dead sharks are stacked up to waist height on the deck at a time when there is worldwide concern about declining shark numbers and growing awareness of their importance to Reef health. The pictures were taken in early 2019 in the central Great Barrier Reef region. Among the catch are species whose conservation status is of concern including hammerhead sharks, sawfish and a marine turtle. Credit Supplied

Safeguards turtles from commercial fishing

By promoting sustainable practices, to reduce the risks of commercial nets.

The shallows around the southern rim of Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, December 2011. © Darren Jew

Expands and creates marine sanctuaries

Rebuilding turtles’ homes to conserve some of the planet’s richest, most diverse life.

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with a plastic bag, Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The bag was removed by the photographer before the turtle had a chance to eat it. Credit Troy Mayne / WWF

Campaigning to reduce plastic pollution

Advocating for single-use plastics to be phased out by our governments.

A green and two hawksbill turtle hatchlings making their may to the ocean. In February 2017, WWF-Australia worked with Apudthama Indigenous Rangers and the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to attach satellite transmitters to ten hawksbill turtles on Milman Island. The satellites are used to gather data about where the turtles feed, which reefs they prefer, what paths they take, and what threats they’re facing, which allows WWF and its partners to protect them more effectively. © WWF-Aus / Christine Hof

Supports lifesaving scientific research

Into agricultural and industrial chemicals which could be negatively impacting on the health of turtles.

We can’t protect turtles without you.

When you adopt a turtle, we want you to join them on their journey to a safer future.

Your special adoption gift pack includes a cuddly turtle plush toy, fact book, adoption certificate, Living Planet magazine and WWF sticker.

You’ll also receive regular updates on how your generous donations are helping to conserve and protect our oceans and the turtles that live there.

Christine Hof, Marine Species Project Manager, with hawksbill turtle that has been paired with a satellite tracker, Milman Island, February 2017. © WWF-Aus / Christine Hof

Give a unique and memorable gift

A turtle adoption is the perfect gift for any animal lover as well as a great way to inspire friends, family and loved ones to care for nature as much as you do.

We can send this gift pack to you or directly to your gift recipient. For last-minute gifts, you can print a personalised adoption certificate or email it directly to your gift recipient.