Rare albino turtle hatchling has slim chance of survival on Lady Elliot Island

A rare albino green turtle hatchling has been seen making its way into the ocean off Lady Elliot Island in Queensland’s southern Great Barrier Reef, but it faces an even slimmer chance of surviving to adulthood than its siblings.

The tiny turtle emerged from its nest this week, taking researchers on the island by surprise.

The Island’s Ecosystem Management Officer Jim Buck said the team had not expected to encounter the unique creature.

“It’s not something that we see walking down the beach regularly,” Mr Buck said.