A loggerhead sea turtle rescued in Guernsey following the devastating impact of Storm Ciarán in November 2023 is now preparing to return to the wild near the Azores, marking the end of an extraordinary journey of care, collaboration, and perseverance.
Affectionately named Barnacle Bill, the young female turtle was found washed ashore covered in barnacles and weighing less than 1kg. She was taken in by the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), becoming only the second loggerhead turtle ever recorded in Guernsey.
Despite swift efforts to repatriate her to warmer waters, Brexit-related complications surrounding CITES health certificates made it impossible to transport her abroad. Even with a local islander generously offering a private jet and their time free of charge, the paperwork hurdles proved insurmountable. Similar issues affected many other UK-rescued turtles, some of whom were later assisted by the Royal Navy in autumn 2024.
With no confirmed date from the Navy, the GSPCA worked closely with Sea Life Brighton, which had just opened its new sea turtle rehabilitation and repatriation centre. Thanks to a rapid turnaround in health certification between Guernsey and the UK, Barnacle Bill was successfully transferred in December 2024 with the support of Condor Ferries.
Over the past months, Sea Life Brighton has carefully prepared Barnacle Bill for release, simulating natural conditions including waves and rain, limiting human contact, and encouraging her to forage for food.
Sea Life Brighton curator Joe Williams said:
“Getting to put her in the water – going back off to hopefully live a long, healthy life – I'm sure will be emotional.”
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne added:
“For Bill to get back to warm waters is a delight for us.”
Now weighing over 13kg, Barnacle Bill is ready to return to her natural habitat near the Azores, where she will have the chance to thrive in the wild.
Loggerhead turtles are listed as a vulnerable species by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), with threats including habitat loss due to tourism and accidental capture in fishing gear. Turtles sadly often end up in UK waters due to human-led activities such as marine pollution and climate change, but unfortunately the British Isles are far too cold for them to survive, even in summer for very long.
He also issued a warning to the public:
Steve continued "We are currently building a new Wildlife Hospital for all species we may see and there are areas we will be able to use if we have future sea turtles which we have had 3 in the last 20 years."
"All support for this much needed facility is hugely appreciated and to find out lots of ways to support please go to https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“We would urge the public if you find a stranded turtle in Guernsey, to call us on 257261 immediately as they may be very close to death.”
Barnacle Bill’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and determination. The GSPCA extends heartfelt thanks to all who played a role in her recovery and journey home.
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list or support Autism Guernsey https://www.autismguernsey.org.gg/ .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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