SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Releases

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Releases

Since 2018, Move Media has had the honour of documenting SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's annual sea turtle releases — capturing every swim, every wave, and every goodbye for the cameras.

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Project Details

Client
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's
Merlin Entertainments
Location
Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Tutukaka
Rangiputa Beach, Karikari Peninsula
Crew & Coverage
1 x videographer
1 x photographer
Full day shoot
Deliverables
2-3 media release images same day
10–12 hi-res images
2–3 min highlight & staff IVs
Social reels

The Edits

Beach release at Rangiputa Beach, Karikari Peninsula
Boat release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Tutukaka

Social Reels

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Release 2025 – 60sec Reel
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Release 2025 – 45sec Reel
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Release 2025 – 35sec Reel

Photos

Crowd watching a turtle return to the sea at the annual release event
Crowd watching a turtle return to the sea at the annual release event
Crowd watching a turtle return to the sea at the annual release event
Crowd watching a turtle return to the sea at the annual release event
Crowd watching a turtle return to the sea at the annual release event
Crowd watching a turtle return to the sea at the annual release event
Close-up of a turtle being checked over before release
Close-up of a turtle being checked over before release
Underwater photo of rehabilitated turtle's release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Tutukaka
Underwater photo of rehabilitated turtle's release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Tutukaka
Boat-based turtle release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Boat-based turtle release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Boat-based turtle release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Boat-based turtle release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Close-up of a turtle being checked over before release
Close-up of a turtle being checked over before release
Close-up of a turtle being checked over before release
Close-up of a turtle being checked over before release
Boat-based turtle release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Boat-based turtle release at Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Close-up of a turtle fitted with satellite transmitters being checked over before release
Close-up of a turtle fitted with satellite transmitters being checked over before release
Kelly Tarlton's, Auckland Zoo & Department of Conservation come together to release rehabilitated turtles at Rangiputa Beach.
Kelly Tarlton's, Auckland Zoo & Department of Conservation come together to release rehabilitated turtles at Rangiputa Beach.
Students gather around turtles to wish them well on their journey home.
Students gather around turtles to wish them well on their journey home.

Client Brief

Move Media has proudly served as the official photography and videography partner for SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s annual sea turtle rehabilitation and release programme since 2018. This brief outlines our approach, capabilities, and commitment to capturing one of New Zealand’s most significant conservation stories.

Turtle releases are live, unrepeatable events. There are no retakes. Our team is trained to anticipate and respond to fast-moving, uncontrolled environments — ensuring critical moments are captured the first time, every time. This demands technical precision, physical readiness, and strong situational awareness across all conditions.

Our Relationship with SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s

We have worked closely with the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s team for nearly ten years. This long-standing partnership means seamless on-site coordination, clear communication, and a deep mutual understanding of how each release day unfolds. That trust directly improves the quality and consistency of the content we deliver.

Deliverables

Coverage typically includes photography and video across the full release day, suitable for conservation reporting, media, and social content.

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