A sea turtle that washed up on a Co Kerry beach with severe injuries in 2004 is set to be released into the Atlantic ocean after spending 22 years at an aquarium in Daingean Uí Chúis.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium said the loggerhead sea turtle, who they named Molly, became a "firm favourite" at the aquarium after washing up on the Maharees in Castlegregory.
After she was rescued, staff at the aquarium identified injuries in both of Molly's flippers after being attacked by a shark.
She remained under long-term expert care, the aquarium said, as her chances of survival in the wild were uncertain.
However, Oceanworld has said that Molly is now suitable for release back into the ocean.
This is due to advances in marine veterinary science and rehabilitation techniques which Oceanworld said led to a reassessment of Molly.
Molly passed the rehabilitation assessment and is now fit and strong enough to return to the wild, the aquarium said.
"This is a very emotional moment for all of us," a spokesperson for Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium said.
"Molly has been part of our lives for over 20 years.
"While it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye, our priority has always been her welfare, and we are delighted that she now has the opportunity to return to the ocean."
Oceanworld said that Molly became an integral part of the aquarium and an ambassador for marine conservation.
Molly will be transported to Zoomarine in Portugal, which is a specialist turtle rehabilitation centre.
She will be assessed there before being released into warm Atlantic waters under controlled and monitored conditions.
RTÉ Archives 2004: Loggerhead turtles return to nature as Molly recovers at aquarium
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"It is the result of years of care, dedication and collaboration between experts committed to marine conservation," Oceanworld aquarium’s spokesperson added.
Oceanworld thanked the family who first rescued Molly in 2004 and the staff and veterinarians who have contributed to her care in the years since.
"The Queen of the Shark Tank will be greatly missed by all of the team, as she has become part of the Oceanworld family, but we are excited for her new adventure," Oceanworld said in a post on social media.
