Turtle is on the road to recovery
Crush was rescued from a beach in Jersey after Storm Goretti and flown to Southampton
A loggerhead turtle, rescued from a beach in Jersey after Storm Goretti and flown to SEA LIFE Weymouth, has reached another major milestone in her recovery after undergoing a specialist CT scan.
Since arriving at SEA LIFE Weymouth, she has gained more than 700g, representing a remarkable increase of more than 25% - showing that her round-the-clock treatment and specialist support are working well.
The team has also been treating a lung infection, which is common in turtles stranded on UK shores in a weakened state. Reassuringly, recent blood results suggest the antibiotics are working and the infection has almost completely cleared.
Crush will continue to undergo regular blood tests and X-rays, with every next step guided by her progress.
Alongside the animal care team at SEA LIFE Weymouth, her treatment is being led by Tania Monreal from the International Zoo Veterinary Group (IZVG), alongside Holly Asquith-Barnes from Medivet and David Hollah from Piddle Valley Vets.
Kico Iraola, Curator at SEA LIFE Weymouth, said:
“Crush has shown an incredible fighting spirit since arriving with us, and this is a really encouraging stage in her recovery. Her weight gain over the past six weeks is a strong sign that she is responding well to treatment and the specialist care she is receiving.
“With sea turtles, there is no rushing the process. We take our lead from Crush every step of the way and will continue to give her all the care and support she needs.”
Crush first arrived at SEA LIFE Weymouth after being discovered by walkers during Storm Goretti, having been swept far from her natural warm-water habitat and left suffering from cold stunning - a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold water, which can make a turtle’s body begin to shut down.
She was flown to Southampton on a Loganair passenger flight before being transferred to the aquarium’s specialist rehabilitation team.