A stranded loggerhead turtle that was rescued from a Cumbrian beach is making a slow recovery.
While it initially appeared lifeless – the sea creature was actually just cold-stunned and required urgent re-warming.
Cumbrian Marine Biologist and British Divers Marine Life Rescue regional co-ordinator, Sarah Neill, was called out to organise the rescue and travelled with the turtle in the back of a van to monitor it on the journey from Cumbria all the way to Blackpool.
It was then passed over to Sea Life Blackpool’s specialist animal care team who Sarah said would have to very carefully re-warm the turtle by gradually increasing the temperature of its water by two degrees each day until it reaches the 25 degree temperature it normally lives in.
A spokesman for Sea Life Blackpool said: “Our team continue working hard to monitor and treat the turtle in our dedicated welfare and rehabilitation area.
“It is a slow process and there is still a long way to go, but our expert Sea Life welfare team are hoping to see some improvement in the next few days.”
Weighing in at 50 kilos – around eight stone – the turtle was too large to be rehabilitated in Cumbria.
The UK’s cold waters can quickly make loggerhead turtles ill – but Sarah said other sea turtles in the same position have recovered in the past and have even been flown back to their home waters.
Once the turtle is rewarmed – it will also have to start feeding again.
Sarah added that anyone who finds a hard-shelled sea turtle on a beach in Cumbria should always remember to never return them to the sea as they will re-strand or die in the cold water. Instead – always make sure to call for help.
Stranded sea animals can be reported to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue’s 24 hour hotline on 01825 765546.
