Isle of TireeA critically endangered sea turtle has washed up on the shores of a Scottish island, more than 3,000 miles from its natural habitat.
The Kemp’s ridley turtle, which is the world’s most endangered species of sea turtle, was discovered on Sorabaidgh Beach on the Isle of Tiree on Sunday.
The species is usually found around the Gulf of Mexico, but rising sea temperatures has expanded the turtle’s migration range, leaving them vulnerable to cold-shocking events.
Isle of TireeRangers from the Isle of Tiree believe the female turtle may have been swept away in the adverse weather conditions off the US coast, which resulted in Storm Amy.
After she was rescued from the beach, the turtle was placed in a box with a towel to ensure that she wasn’t warmed too quickly.
The turtle boarded a ferry on Monday morning and is due to arrive at Sea Life Loch Lomond.
Isle of TireeThe Kemp’s ridley turtle has been considered endangered since 1970, and conservation efforts are ongoing.
It is estimated that there are between 7,000 to 9,000 nesting female Kemp’s ridley turtles in the world.
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