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Posted: 28th February 2024

Turtle rescued in Cumbria months after being rescued in France
Loggerhead turtles have become more common in UK waters in recent years.
Rescuer describes animal as “very lucky”.

A loggerhead turtle has been rescued from a Cumbrian beach less than a year after being rescued off the coast of France.

The turtle, named Nazaré after a Portuguese town famous for its waves, was discovered by members of the public on Friday, 2 February stranded on the shore of Walney Island, Cumbria.

A call was made to British Marine Life Divers Rescue who found the turtle covered in algae and cuts. According to the Marine Conservation Society, the algae on her body may have been caused by the turtle becoming comatose in the cold water.

Nazaré had a satellite tag attached to her, which was traced to an aquarium in France. It was discovered that she had been rescued off the coast of France in April 2023 with wounds to her limbs and neck.

After two months of rehabilitation at the French aquarium, she had been released with the satellite tag on. However, the tag had stopped transmitting in about December.

Since being found in Cumbria, Nazaré has received care at Sea Life Blackpool, and has recently been moved to Sea Life Scarborough to continue her recovery.

Sarah Neill, area coordinator for Cumbria at British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: “This turtle was very lucky to have been found and rescued when she was as the majority who are washed up in these circumstances sadly would not live.

“If they become ill, injured or weak, they can easily get swept up into the north Atlantic currents which will lead them into cold waters and anything colder than 15°C results in them being unable to feed.”

Todd German, curator at Sea Life Scarborough, added: “We are delighted to support our colleagues at Sea Life Blackpool with the next stage of Nazaré's journey to recovery.

“The care which Sea Life Blackpool has given Nazaré has been phenomenal, and
we are delighted she has made such incredible improvements. She still has a
significant way to go before we will hopefully be able to release her back to her natural habitat.”

Image © Shutterstock



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