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Animal shelter asks Royal Navy to rehome turtle

BBC A close up image of Barnacle Bill, the turtle in a tank at the GSPCA. The image shows the ride of her head, which is several shades of brown with a circular pattern.BBC
The loggerhead turtle was found covered in barnacles resulting in her being named Barnacle Bill

An animal shelter in Guernsey has asked the Royal Navy to help rehome a rescued turtle, staff say.

The GSPCA rescued Barnacle Bill from Chouet Bay in November, when the charity said it was believed the loggerhead turtle had been washed away from the warmer waters of the Mediterranean during Storm Ciaran.

It said the Royal Navy's help was being sought after sailors recently returned nine sea turtles back to warmer waters.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said it was "not possible" to get Bill to join the most recent trip, but added it "could be a possible option" in the future. The BBC has contacted the Royal Navy for comment.

GSPCA A pair of hands holds the turtle while a second pair of hands holds a spray bottle pointed at it. There is a stainless steel worktop in the background with a green towel and other supplies on it.GSPCA
The female loggerhead turtle was treated at the animal shelter’s intensive care unit, requiring antibiotics after being found too cold and covered in barnacles

Since being rescued, Bill has grown from just over 700g (24.7oz) to 3.1kgs (109.3oz), meaning she has needed larger and larger enclosures.

In that time, the GSPCA said it had tried to rehome the animal in various warmer countries but so far had been unsuccessful.

The loggerhead turtle is listed as vulnerable by the World Wildlife Fund, meaning the animals require special paperwork to travel.

The charity said it had previously rehomed turtles in Gran Canaria but complications with import paperwork meant that had not been possible.

The shelter said it also was still looking for appropriate future destinations, including Cape Verde, Turkey, and more recently Morrocco, the Azores, and Bermuda.

Mr Byrne said the process of seeking the correct paperwork and a destination for the turtle to be transported to had been "incredibly frustrating".

He said: "Until we have the permissions and destination, we cannot do anything more than strive to give her the best of care."

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