Published at 16:07, Friday, 23 January 2015
A rare turtle found washed up on a Cumbrian beach and being cared for at a county aquarium has died.
Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle died this morning shortly before it was due to be moved from Maryport aquarium to the Lakes Aquarium, Windermere, where it was to be tube fed in a last resort to save its life.
Marine biologist and BDMLR Cumbria co-ordinator Sarah Neill, who was due to transfer the turtle, said: “We are all obviously absolutely gutted but I’m so grateful to Maryport Aquarium and Millcroft Vets for all their help and support throughout the rescue.
“We have all learned a great deal and will be prepared for next time, if there is a next time.”
The male turtle’s body will be sent to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme for a post mortem examination.
Sealife experts have been caring for the Kemp’s ridley – the world’s rarest sea turtle – which was discovered on Walney, since December 20.
The species is usually spotted in the Gulf of Mexico but may have been “cold-stunned” by a drop in temperatures before being carried 5,000 miles across the Atlantic by the Gulf Stream.
Experts believe there could be as few as 1,000 breeding female Kemp’s ridley’s left.
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
Rare turtle washed up on Cumbrian beach dies
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