Washed-up rare turtle species confirmed as Olive ridley

A rare tropical turtle which was washed on to an Anglesey beach has been identified as an Olive ridley.

Experts at Anglesey Sea Zoo said it was the first time this type of turtle has been seen on UK shores since records began.

It was discovered at Tan-y-Foel on Saturday close to the zoo and staff took it to a vet.

The turtle, believed to be female, has been nicknamed Menai and is undergoing rehabilitation at the zoo.

Menai is being rehydrated and gradually warmed, but zoo staff warned that while the turtle was responding well to treatment, she remained in a serious condition and may not survive.

Olive ridley turtles are classified as vulnerable and are usually found in warm and tropical waters as far north as Mexico and the southern part of the US, but would not be expected to survive in the cooler seas around Wales.