AN ENDANGERED turtle rescued during Storm Goretti is preparing to leave Jersey next week after making a strong recovery.
Crush the loggerhead turtle is due to fly to Southampton on Tuesday courtesy of Loganair, before being transferred to Weymouth Sealife centre for the next stage of her rehabilitation.
The cold-stunned turtle, currently in a 500-litre tank, will be moved into a 2,000-litre facility where she will spend several weeks in quarantine alongside another rescued turtle.
Staff at New Era Veterinary Hospital, where Crush has been treated, said the reptile is eating well and building strength ahead of her planned release back into the wild this spring.
She will be one of five cold-stunned turtles in UK care centres set to be released once weather conditions improve, though the exact location is still being finalised pending paperwork.
As a protected species, Crush’s transfer requires extensive documentation, with import arrangements completed by Weymouth Sealife and export forms finalised in Jersey.
The turtle has thrived during her time in Jersey, receiving warmed seawater provided by The Jersey Oyster Company.
