RARE SEA TURTLE WASHES UP ON STRAIT

A rare tropical sea turtle was discovered just yards from the Anglesey Sea Zoo on Saturday.

Staff at the aquarium were shocked when a member of the public reported seeing the animal at Tan-Y-Foel beach on the Menai Strait, at the bottom of the Sea Zoo drive in Brynsiencyn.

The turtle was still alive and staff were able to rescue it and bring it inside.

Richard Lloyd, the Anglesey Sea Zoo consultant veterinarian provided medical advice, and the turtle was taken to the Bodrwnsiwn Veterinary Practise in Mona for emergency treatment by vet Emma Bayman.

The turtle is in a serious condition, having been dehydrated but has showed signs of being strong and responded well to treatment.

She is believed to be a female and has been appropriately called ‘Menai’ by staff.

She was returned to Anglesey Sea Zoo on Saturday night, where she is currently undergoing careful reha- bilitation.

Menai is not on display and remains in a serious condition but her progress over the next few days should give an indication of her long term prospects.

The Sea Zoo reported the incident immediately and consultation with experts is currently underway to determine the exact species of the turtle, which is believed to be either an Olive Ridley or Kemps Ridley turtle, two species which are renowned for being incredibly difficult to distinguish apart.

The Kemps Ridley turtle is a critically endangered species, being the rarest sea turtle in the world, and the Olive Ridley turtle is also extremely rare.

Both of these endangered turtle species are found in warm and tropical waters as far north as Mexico and the southern part of the USA.

Frankie Hobro, director and owner of the Anglesey Sea Zoo, said: “We were stunned that this magnificent creature was washed up on the beach right outside the Sea Zoo - it was as if she was asking for our help.

“If she had stranded elsewhere and not been found quickly, she would certainly have died.

“Tropical turtles washed up on our shores may appear dead when they are in fact in a state of torpor, or physiological ‘shut down’ due to the unsuitably low temperatures, and if this is the case they may be revived and have been known to make a full recovery under the right conditions.

“The Anglesey Sea Zoo believes that the best place for large migra- tory marine animals, such as sea turtles, is in the wild, and we do not believe in having such species on long term display.

“Therefore Menai is not on public display at the Sea Zoo, she will continue to be cared for behind the scenes in the specialised and controlled environment which she needs to be properly treated and rehabilitated.”

Rod Penrose of the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) and strandings coordinator for Wales, said: “Tropical sea turtles should not be found around North Wales, the only native species of sea turtle here is the world’s largest species, the Leatherback Turtle, which is common between May and September when it visits our coasts to feed on the huge swarms of large jellyfish.

“It is most likely that the turtle has lost her way on her journey through these warmer seas, possibly due to recent strong wind and currents.”