On Friday 10 November BDMLR Medics were quickly dispatched after a report of a stranded loggerhead turtle on Hayle beach, Cornwall. Medics were surprised but encouraged to find the turtle alert and active, where usually they are found hypothermic, malnourished and weak.
A visual assessment and first aid was carried out before the turtle was taken to the Blue Reef Aquarium for rehabilitation. It is hoped that the juvenile turtle will recover in time to join three other turtles from earlier in the year that are soon to be released back into the wild.
Senior Aquarist at the Blue Reef Aquarium, Abby Wheston, said “When the turtle arrived at the aquarium we checked for any injuries and to see its body condition. Apart from a cluster of goose barnacles attached to the end of its shell, the overall external condition was good. There has been an initial response from the turtle who has been taking fluids and showing some signs of getting stronger. Although it is still very early days, we are hopeful for the turtle’s survival” Abby added.
It is thought that the recent stormy weather and strong currents could have possibly caused the turtle to be taken off course and stranded in the UK.
