A rare loggerhead turtle found “cold-stunned” after coastal storms is preparing to return to the sea after seven months of recovery and rehabilitation.
Named Betty by her carers, the turtle was mistaken for “debris” on Dunwich beach in Suffolk by a member of the public in February who called the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
She was transferred to Hunstanton Sea Life Centre in Norfolk, where a second loggerhead turtle, called Olive, has been under care since December. Both will travel to the Azores later this month for release.
Katie Robertson, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The moment they finally get released is going to be an emotional time for us.”
Both turtles were found cold-stunned – when temperatures rapidly decline and the struggle to find warmer waters can make them lethargic and experience decreased circulation.
The condition can be fatal.