Green sea turtles have crucial scans

Sharky and Josie, green sea turtles travelled 140 miles for a CT scan

Two endangered Green Sea Turtles have been transported 140 miles for crucial CT scans.

Rescued turtles Sharky and Josie, from Sea Life Weymouth, travelled four hours to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London.

The scans detect bone infections, check for ingested foreign objects and monitor for non-viable egg production.

A spokesperson at Sea Life Weymouth, said: "Our turtles are incredibly resilient, but it’s our duty to ensure they receive the best possible care."

CT scans make up part of the ongoing care for turtles who cannot return to the wild

The turtles are trained to swim into a special stretcher used to weigh and transport them.

They were transported in custom-made wooden crates lined with padding and equipped with ventilation.

Their shells were coated with Vaseline to prevent drying during the journey and a heated van maintained a stable 24°C to accommodate the turtles' tropical needs.

The pair were then anaesthetized and guided through the CT scan which provides more detailed information than traditional X-rays and 3D images.

It enables veterinarians to see internal structures and skeletons with more precision.

After a quick review of the scans, the turtles were carefully woken up and returned to Sea Life Weymouth, where they resumed their usual routine, including their favourite snack - squid.

The Sea Life Weymouth spokesperson added: "The CT scan gives us a clear understanding of their internal health, allowing us to take preventive measures to keep them comfortable and happy."