Injured loggerhead turtle released back into the wild

An injured loggerhead turtle was released back into the wild.

The turtle, named Nazaré, was found washed up on a beach in Cumbria in February, with no signs of movement and covered in seaweed.

The animal completed a successful rehabilitation program at various Sea Life facilities.

Nazaré was flown to the Azores earlier this month and released back into the wild.

The reptile was rescued from a beach on Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, on February 4.

Upon arrival at Sea Life Blackpool, the animal was found severely hypothermic, suffering from pneumonia and covered with a thick layer of algae and seaweed.

Nazaré's care included gradually increasing his body temperature, giving him fluids, and closely monitoring his condition around the clock.

The team built floats to ensure Nazaré did not drown and also used a toothbrush to clean the turtle's shell.

Within a few days, signs of improvement appeared and the child was able to eat and move independently.

Once the Sea Life team was confident that Nazaré was fit and healthy and ready to be released into the wild, they obtained a turtle passport so the turtle could be flown to the Azores.

Nazaré was temporarily housed at the Porto Pim Aquarium in Portugal before being released back into the wild this month.

It was discovered that the reptile had a satellite tracking device attached to its shell and had previously been microchipped.

Sea Life learned that the turtle had already been released in June after being found stranded in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, France.

Todd German, curator of Sea Life Scarborough, said: “She is incredibly lucky because she has been rescued and rehabilitated not once, but twice.”

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