Barnacle Bill, the loggerhead sea turtle rescued by the GSPCA after Storm Ciarán, has now been successfully released back into the wild near the Azores.
The young female turtle, who was found washed ashore and weighing less than 1kg in November 2023, was cared for by the Guernsey animal charity for 14 months.
Barnacle Bill’s repatriation to the wild was initially delayed due to significant paperwork hurdles, in part caused by Brexit-related complications, even despite a Guernsey resident offering a private jet to transport her.
During her time at the GSPCA and Sea Life Brighton, Barnacle Bill gained a significant amount of weight, growing from under 1kg (700g) when she was first rescued to over 13kg now.
At Brighton, she was further prepared for release by simulating natural conditions and limiting human contact.
Pictured: The day Barnacle Bill arrived, with numerous of her namesake hanging on to her shell. 
Pictured: Although weighing in originally at under a kilo, she now weighs a healthy 13kg. 
pictured: Slowly she built up her strength, with the assistance of the GSCPA, until… 
…Barnacle Bill was looking happy and healthy again. 
Pictured: She was given free passage from the Island aboard Condor, on her way to Brighton, before being bound for the Azores. 
Pictured: Her last bit of human-shaped help, came during her stint at Sea Life Brighton, where she was readjusted to go back into the wild.
The team behind her continued rehabilitation say her release will be an “emotional” one, having finally found her long on-soil saga at its end.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne, who helped care for Barnacle Bill during her prolonged Bailiwick stay said it’s amazing news the turtle is finally on her way.
“To get the news Barnacle Bill is finally on route to warm waters to be released is such amazing news.
“We’ve been told she now weights over 13kg compared to under 1kg when we rescued her, which means Barnacle Bill is ready to return to her natural habitat near the Azores, where she will have the chance to thrive in the wild and is currently on route to Horta.”
Loggerhead turtles are listed as a vulnerable species, facing threats such as habitat loss and accidental capture in fishing nets.
With lifespans of between 50 and 80 years, they live long lives in the wild, if they manage to avoid many of the human-caused threats.
Mr Byrne continued: “If people find turtles stranded on beaches, it would be almost a death sentence for that turtle to return them to the sea. Always contact a rescue team instead.”
He concluded: “This recent stormy weather could easily wash turtles in to our shores, if in the area do keep an eye out.”The local animal charity are currently raising funds to support their big build. Some of the facilities used in the recovery of Barnacle Bill have already been demolished, in preparation for the GSPCA’s new Wildlife Hospital.
You can read more on developments at the animal charity HERE.
