Cold-Stunned Turtle Rescued and Rehabilitated for Azores Release
Betty, a loggerhead turtle found on a Suffolk beach, is set to return to the sea after seven months of recovery.
A loggerhead turtle named Betty, discovered cold-stunned on Dunwich beach in Suffolk following coastal storms, is preparing for release into the Atlantic after a seven-month rehabilitation period. Betty was found in February and transferred to Hunstanton Sea Life Centre in Norfolk, where she has been cared for alongside another loggerhead turtle, Olive, who has been at the center since December.
Both turtles suffered from cold-stunning, a condition where rapid drops in water temperature cause lethargy and decreased circulation, which can be fatal. "The moment they finally get released is going to be an emotional time for us," said Katie Robertson, display supervisor at the centre.
Loggerhead turtles, common in the Mediterranean, are known to weigh up to 400 pounds and reach lengths of 48 inches. They are characterized by large heads and powerful jaws used for catching prey. The species typically nests in areas like Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Libya. However, warmer summer sea temperatures are causing them to travel further north than usual.
"When our temperatures drop drastically compared to the Mediterranean they get cold-stunned, which basically means the surrounding water for them gets too cold," Robertson explained. Sea life centers anticipate a busy winter as more loggerhead turtles may wash ashore due to these environmental shifts.
During their recovery, both Betty and Olive underwent various medical tests, including X-rays and CT scans, to check for conditions like pneumonia. Betty, who required more specialized care upon arrival, underwent a gradual process to increase her body temperature. "It was a step-by-step process to get Betty ready to return to the water, as we had to work to increase her body temperature very gradually every day," Robertson noted.
The rehabilitation process has been successful, and the team at Hunstanton Sea Life Centre expressed pride in their work and the turtles' recovery. "When we got the all clear for both turtles, the whole team, we just had a moment where we were just so proud of all the work we've put into it but also proud of the turtles themselves," Robertson said.
Betty and Olive are scheduled to depart from Hunstanton on Monday, September 28, and will travel to the Azores in Portugal. There, they will be monitored for up to two weeks before their eventual release back into their natural habitat.