In January, a loggerhead sea turtle was found "lifeless" on a beach in Jersey. A local dog-walker discovered her.
The turtle is believed to have washed ashore after Storm Goretti hit Western Europe. Veterinarians quickly realized the turtle was malnourished and cold-stunned. This condition is like hypothermia and causes an animal's body to shut down.
New Era Veterinary Hospital in Jersey first cared for the turtle. She even stayed for two weeks at the home of the clinic's director, Peter Hawarth.
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxThe care team named her Crush, after the character in "Finding Nemo." They think she is female because she has a longer tail, like other female loggerheads.
Crush's Journey to Recovery
Crush needed more specialized care. Hawarth flew her in a box to Southampton. Jersey Airport shared on social media that they were proud to be part of Crush's recovery. They noted she was safely at Weymouth Sea Life Centre.
At the Sea Life Weymouth center, Crush received care alongside other rescued turtles.
Sea Life Weymouth shared on Facebook that Crush had CT scans, blood tests, and vet checks. She also had a special diet to help her regain strength and a healthy weight.
Now, almost six months after being found, Crush is ready to go back to the ocean.
Heading Home
Sea Life manager Seb Webster told the BBC that their team has approved Crush's return to warmer waters. He said Crush is in their quarantine facility and they hope to release her by the end of July.
Crush will be released into warmer waters off the Azores, islands near Portugal.
Sea Life Weymouth is working with partners to prepare for Crush's second airplane trip. This will give her the best chance to thrive in the wild.
Webster explained that Crush will stay in a special facility in the Azores after landing. This is to ensure she is well. Then, a team member will help release her once she gets another all-clear.
Sea Life Weymouth thanked their team for their dedication. They also thanked supporters worldwide who followed Crush's story.
