Night was closing in as Wilma led them to the sheltered sea, which flowed into Walaman Creek. There were many mangrove swamps close by and luckily the tide was still low ... the perfect feeding spot for Purtle and Zelmo! “These special trees are mangroves!” said Wilma, “They are the lungs of the waterways and the nearby reef. They keep things healthy and provide a wonderful place to live for many creatures. There will be plenty to eat.”

The youngsters were about to take some big chomps at it when Wilma bellowed through the water, “STOP! STOP! Don’t eat thaaat!” “This is not food. This is PLASTIC! If you swallow it, you will get very sick. You may not even live,” growled Torri, trembling at the thought of how close to harm her youngsters had come.

The lights of the night sky cast a wonderful shimmer across the sea and created a magical glow all around. From the nearby land, the sounds of the didgeridoo echoed across the waters from the Loongabid Community as the people there settled around their campfires.

The mysterious and mean looking Griff ... is not so mean after all!

Never having done this before, Torri used her daring and courage to surface nearby the noisy engine. She discovered a boat with a wonderful mix of land people on board. Torri’s rainbow shell glowed bright in the sunlight as she believed she could catch their attention. “Look there!” someone called and then another, “Let’s follow for a better look … that turtle is glowing.”

... exclaimed Torri as she approached the struggling dugong, so entangled in rope. But what to do? Torri drew on both her special powers of self-belief and primal wisdom, as she moved in close to work out a plan. “Think before you act, think before you act!” Torri reminded herself.

“The ocean currents further north will become too hard for you to swim against, my little ones.” But Torri had some good news. “Serafin is visiting some of her family at Mermaid Reef about now. I know she will be pleased to have you youngsters visit and then return with her to Ningaloo.”

The happy pair began to roll over and loop around each other, their huge wingspans extending far and wide through the water as they swooped and swished here and there. “Gosh! Watch them dancing together! And see their big white bellies!” said Purtle full of amazement.