Rare turtle’s story ends after rescue from cold waters in Wasaga Beach, Ont.

A rare and exotic Fly River Turtle native to Papua New Guinea and northern Australia was discovered struggling in a lake near Wasaga Beach, Ont. (Reptilia Inc.)

A rare turtle that made national headlines after being rescued from the Nottawasaga River in Wasaga Beach, Ont. has since died.

‘Dinosaur,’ as the endangered Fly River Turtle was affectionately known, was found struggling in the cold water earlier this fall by some locals on the beach.

“After weeks of dedicated care following her remarkable rescue — a story filled with compassion and community — we are heartbroken to share that Dinosaur’s journey has come to an end,” said Ashley Maika of Reptilia Zoo. “She passed due to complications from a generalized infection.”

Despite promising signs of recovery, including healing wounds and improved energy, Maika said the infection proved too much for the tropical turtle to overcome, even with antibiotics and continuous medical treatment.

“We take comfort in knowing that Dinosaur’s final days were spent in a warm, safe, and loving environment; one filled with kindness and familiarity, rather than the cold, uncertain waters,” she added.

The Fly River Turtle, a species native to Papua New Guinea and northern Australia, is rarely seen in Canada and cannot survive local temperatures for long.

Reptilia staff believe Dinosaur may have been an abandoned or escaped pet that had been living in the river for months before her rescue.

“While she should never have faced such hardship, her final chapter was defined by human kindness and collective care,” Maika said, emphasizing that her story highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Reptilia extended gratitude to the community members who helped save Dinosaur, those who followed her recovery online, and the staff who worked tirelessly to give her a chance at survival.

“Although cases of neglected, abandoned, or escaped reptiles are sadly common, Dinosaur’s story renews our mission and strengthens our resolve to continue helping reptiles in need,” Maika said.