A living loggerhead sea turtle washed up on the beach of the Flemish seaside resort of Bredene on Saturday. This is the first time that there has been a confirmed identification of the species in Belgium. The animal is currently being monitored at the Sea Life Blankenberge animal sanctuary.
Loggerhead sea turtle found alive on Flemish beach: 'First time animal has been identified in Belgium'
Colin Clapson
Published:
Beachcombers found a living sea turtle on Bredene beach on Saturday afternoon. The young animal, with a back shell and a length of only 14 cm, was removed from the beach by officers of the Ostend fire service. Experts from the Institute of Natural Sciences identified the animal as a very young loggerhead sea turtle.
"It is well known that strong north-westerly winds cause all kinds of dead and living material from the sea to wash up on our coast," says Kelle Moreau of the Institute of Natural Sciences. "This was no different during the storm of 24-25 November. Sometimes this includes surprising animals or objects like this loggerhead sea turtle."
Atlantic origin
"The loggerhead turtle is found in all the world's oceans, except the polar regions. Immature specimens from North America and Cape Verde make a round trip across the Atlantic that can take several years before returning to their native habitat. Strong currents can cause them to drift, with the youngest - and therefore smallest - specimens being at greatest risk," says Kelle Moreau.
The turtle found in Bredene weighs 770 grams and was damaged at the back of the dorsal shell. Sea Life Blankenberge is looking after the animal and has started antibiotic treatment. It is too early to determine whether the animal will be able to be released back into the wild, and where or when that might happen.