A loggerhead turtle was found washed up on a beach in Donegal on Sunday afternoon. It was transported to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co. Down for treatment. Aquarium Curator Peter Williams joined Morning Ireland to provide an update on the rare turtle.
"We received a call from a member of the public about this loggerhead on the coast of Donegal. It was handled by one of our Sea Rescue teams - we have a sea rescue team here at the aquarium - they were able to head along towards Donegal and collect it from the rescuer," said Peter.
He went on to explain that the lost turtle is being treated for "cold-stunning" – a form of reptile hypothermia.
"Reptiles rely on the external environment to keep their body temperature up. Generally, reptiles are tropical species. Sea turtles are found in most tropical waters. When their temperature drops below a critical point, they go into a frozen-like state. For an extended period of time, that's not good for the animal."
To treat the animal, the team at the aquarium are slowly raising the turtle's core temperature - similar to how you would treat a human for hypothermia.
You can listen to the full report above.
