Since early August our team have been caring for a rescued Yellow-bellied Sea Snake. Last week they had the exciting opportunity to (very carefully) release the snake back into its natural habitat.

Whilst our rescue, rehab and release program is primarily for sea turtles, AQWA also cares for other sick or injured marine life, including sea snakes.

After an injury to its side was treated by the vets at WA Wildlife, the sea snake was transferred to AQWA where our team continued its care and rehab. This included localised treatments to its wound, and carefully providing antibiotic injections to treat the pneumonia it was also suffering from.

It was an immensely rewarding day to release the snake into its natural habitat after months of care at AQWA

Some sea snake facts to sink your fangs into

Sea snakes are a greatly misunderstood and often maligned group of animals! Here’s a few surprising and interesting points to remember about these shy marine reptiles.

• Sea snakes belong to the same group of animals as turtles, saltwater crocodiles and marine iguanas.
• Like other reptiles, marine reptiles have scales, breathe air and can’t control their body temperature
• Sea snakes can absorb extra oxygen through their skin, allowing them to stay underwater longer.
• Sea snakes’ venom is very powerful and fast acting to ensure their prey can’t escape. It is rarely used in defence.
• To help them move easily through the water, sea snakes have small and narrow scales (unlike the wide scales of land snakes), a long thin body shaped like the keel of a boat, and a flat tail that they use like a paddle.
• ‘True’ sea snakes never come ashore; they live, feed and mate in the water and even give birth to live young; a rare occurrence for the usual egg-laying reptile family!
• Sea snakes are often confused with their cousins, the sea kraits, which are semi-aquatic reptiles that move between land and water
• They are related to the extinct Mosasaurs; a group of marine ‘dinosaurs’ from the Cretaceous period!

Who to call

Don’t forget, if you spot any sick or injured marine life on your next visit to the beach, please call WA Wildlife or AQWA for assistance:

AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia (9am – 4pm): (08) 9447 7500.

WA Wildlife Helpline (24 hours) – (08) 9417 7105