A rare turtle that washed ashore in Jersey during Storm Goretti has finally been given the all-clear for release after a long recovery.
Crush the turtle was found on a beach in Jersey in January and was treated at New Era Veterinary Hospital before being flown to Weymouth for specialist treatment at a sealife centre.
Loggerhead turtles typically live in much warmer waters and are rarely found in the Channel Islands, but powerful storms and ocean currents can disorientate them.
This leads to a condition known as cold stunning, where prolonged exposure to cold water causes their bodies to shut down.
But after seven months of rest and rehabilitation, both in Jersey and the UK, Crush has been given the all-clear for release back into the wild.
Sealife Weymouth confirmed that the turtle has undergone CT scans, regular blood tests, ongoing veterinary assessments, alongside a carefully managed diet to rebuild strength and regain a healthy weight.
The sealife centre added: “We’re now working with our conservation partners to make the final preparations, including organising transport by air to warmer waters where Crush will have the best possible chance of thriving back in the wild.
“We are incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and care to Crush’s recovery. Thank you also to the hundreds of well-wishes from supporters around the world who have been following Crush’s story. We’ll be sharing the release journey with you soon.”
