Endangered loggerhead turtle washes up in Scotland
- Published
An endangered loggerhead sea turtle has washed up in Scotland after being caught in Storm Desmond.
The turtle was rescued on Irvine beach on Sunday and is being cared for at the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary in Oban.
It will be flown to Gran Canaria and released when it has fully recovered.
The Scottish SPCA said the turtle would normally be heading towards Spain at this time. It is believed to have delayed the journey due to mild weather before being caught in the storm.
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Danielle Higgins said: "We do see these turtles off the coast of Scotland on the odd occasion but never usually at this time of year.
"This turtle should have been on his way to Spain where it's warmer but I think he may have stayed here due to the milder weather.
"However, Storm Desmond has caught him out and brought him inland."
Ms Higgins thanked a volunteer from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, members of the public and local bike race stewards who helped move the turtle off the beach.