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Loggerhead turtle washed up in Guernsey

A sea turtle is being treated by the GSPCA after being washed up on Vazon Beach in Guernsey

It's not the first time a Loggerhead has been found in the Channel Islands, a turtle named by rescuers as Terri was found washed up in Jersey during January 2016.

They normally live in warmer climates but experts think the creatures have been washed off course during recent storms.

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Washed up sea turtle is 'very weak' say GSPCA

The latest sea turtle to be washed up in the Channel Islands has been named by Guernsey's Animal Shelter as 'Olivia.'

However, the GSPCA is warning islanders that the Loggerhead is incredibly weak and is currently undergoing tests and treatments to look for any internal problems.

Turtles often feast on jellyfish while migrating but can mistake plastic bags and rubbish in the sea for the gelatinous creatures which can clog their intestines and stop them from feeding.

Experts believe the two green turtles that have been washed up in the Channel Islands this year have been knocked off course by recent storms. They usually live in warmer waters like the Mediterranean.

Olivia was rescued after being found washed up on Vazon beach this week.

She is the same species of sea turtle that was washed up on a Jersey beach in January.

Guernsey's animal shelter have set up a web page to raise money for Olivia's treatment. Click here to be taken to its web page.

After a very busy day rescuing lots of animals yesterday we really didn't expect to be called out to a stranded turtle. Thankfully we have a wildlife unit set up for a wide variety of species and an experienced team at the GSPCA. It is too early to tell how she will do but we are doing all we can and have an excellent experienced vet to help in her rehabilitation.

– Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager

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