Emma McBryde
In turtley awesome news, a malnourished Green Turtle named after local media identity Kent Murray was this week launched back into the ocean off Gladstone by his namesake.
Kent the turtle spent about six weeks under the care of Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre staff after he was washed up on the rocks in Statue Bay, off Lammermoor Beach on the Capricorn Coast.
Whether Kent the renowned former WIN cameraman and man behind Kentos Komms has recently put on weight is unknown, but the turtle certainly has after he shelfishly took to stealing food from other turtles.
However, centre general manager Kim van Oudheusden explained this was a good sign.
Kent was admitted weighing 7.3kg and was released almost 3kg heavier, at 10.2kg.
Ms van Oudheusden said the turtle was not moving and was underweight at only being 72 per cent of his healthy weight.
The turtle was also covered in several barnacles, oyster shells, and leech eggs on his shell and belly.
He was named after Kent because of his support and help publicising the centre in the media.
Kent praised the centre for its work, saying he enjoyed helping out in the community now he had the time while in semi-retirement.