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Rare Loggerhead Turtle Rescued on Suffolk Beach
10 Feb
Summary
- A rare loggerhead turtle was found near-dead on a Suffolk beach.
- Specialist volunteers rescued the non-native species during stormy weather.
- The turtle is now recovering at Hunstanton Sea Life in Norfolk.
A loggerhead turtle, a species uncharacteristic of UK waters, was found in critical condition on Dunwich beach in Suffolk. The discovery was made by Steve Foreman, who was walking along the shore after a period of intense stormy weather. Initially believing the creature to be inanimate debris, Foreman noticed a flicker of movement and promptly contacted British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
BDMLR volunteers arrived quickly and assessed the turtle, subsequently transporting it to Hunstanton Sea Life in Norfolk. Loggerhead turtles, listed as vulnerable globally, are typically found in the Mediterranean. However, marine rescue organizations report an increase in their presence in UK waters, attributing this trend to rising sea temperatures.
These turtles often suffer from cold shock when washed ashore and are frequently mistaken for being dead. Rescue experts emphasize the importance of contacting specialized organizations rather than attempting to return the distressed animals to the sea. Rehabilitation at facilities like Hunstanton can take up to a year before the turtles are ready for release into warmer climates.
