Crush the loggerhead turtle has been nursed back to health by a group of local vets after being washed up in Jersey during Storm Goretti.
Hundreds of miles from home, the dinner-plate sized turtle was taken to New Era Vets very weak and suffering from malnutrition.
However, after the care and expertise from the team at New Era Veterinary Hospital, Crush is reportedly making a “good recovery”.
Named after the Finding Nemo character, Crush is now continuing her recovery at the animal hospital in St Saviour until she can be transferred to a sea-life centre for further treatment and rehabilitation.
Loggerhead turtles are typically found in far warmer climates than Jersey, but can be swept off course by storms and currents.
Islanders have pulled together to support Crush’s recovery, with local companies donating a tank and equipment to provide Crush with the best possible conditions, while supermarkets and Jersey Zoo have been making food deliveries of prawns and mackerel.
New Era Veterinary Hospital clinical director Peter Haworth said exposure to cold water in the English Channel had resulted in Crush suffering from “cold stunning”, which caused her body to shut down.
“I learned quite a lot about these creatures when we treated another loggerhead turtle a few years ago, and I knew that we needed to bring Crush’s temperature back up,” said Mr Haworth.
“It’s vital this is done slowly, however, and we’ve been adjusting the temperature of the water gradually over a number of days, because rapid temperature changes are dangerous and can be fatal.
“We’ve also carried out a number of tests, including blood tests, X-rays and a CT scan, to check Crush’s health status and look for any signs of illness or injury.
“We’ve been able to share these results with turtle experts around the world who have given us support to devise the best treatment plan.”
He explained that Crush did not appear to have suffered any serious internal or external injuries, but was malnourished and dehydrated.
She was given fluids containing glucose, as well as antibiotics for possible pneumonia.
Sand was also removed from inside her oesophagus to ensure it wasn’t causing a blockage and preventing her from eating.
Mr Haworth said: “Despite her ordeal, Crush seems to be happily swimming around her tank, which I’m topping up with fresh seawater every day.
“As New Era is a 24-hour hospital, Crush is being cared for round-the-clock by our day and night teams, and we are all hoping she continues to do well.”
He added: “Loggerhead turtles are such wonderful creatures, and everyone at New Era has fallen in love with Crush.
“The turtle we cared for a decade ago went on to be successfully rehabilitated and was released in Gran Canaria, and we are all hoping that Crush can return to the wild, too.”