Barnacle Bill the Loggerhead Turtle Set finally on route to the warm water of the Azores

Submitted by Steve on 14:12, 16th Sep, 2025 | 0

A loggerhead sea turtle rescued in Guernsey following the devastating impact of Storm Ciarán in November 2023 is finally returning 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.

Share

Barnacle Bill the Loggerhead Turtle Set to Return to the Wild After Incredible Rescue Journey

Submitted by Steve on 15:14, 3rd Sep, 2025 | 0

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.

Share

Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle finally leaves Guernsey thanks to Condor Ferries and Sea Life Brighton

Submitted by Steve on 11:26, 12th Dec, 2024 | 0

On the 6th November 2023 a loggerhead turtle was washed up on the West Coast of Guernsey.

Barnacle Bill as the young turtle was called has since that time been in the care of the GSPCA.

On arrival she was very cold and weak but in the care of the Animal Shelter quickly improved and has been growing and putting weight on ever since.

Share

Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle pool upgrade and possible release

Submitted by Steve on 15:26, 20th Oct, 2024 | 0

On the 6th November 2023 a loggerhead turtle was washed up on the West Coast of Guernsey.

Barnacle Bill as the young turtle was called has since that time been in the care of the GSPCA.

On arrival she was very cold and weak but in the care of the Animal Shelter quickly improved and has been growing and putting weight on ever since.

Share

Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle continues to grow at GSPCA nearly a year on despite relentless attempts to get her home

Submitted by Steve on 20:36, 20th Sep, 2024 | 0

On the 6th November 2023 a loggerhead turtle was washed up on the West Coast of Guernsey.

Barnacle Bill as the young turtle was called has since that time been in the care of the GSPCA.

On arrival she was very cold and weak but in the care of the Animal Shelter quickly improved and has been growing and putting weight on ever since.

She was microchipped back in November and the paperwork submitted for her travels home to warmer waters and although thankfully we received the Guernsey export paperwork very quickly thanks to the Guernsey States Vets.

Share

Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle triples in size while we continue to seek CITES paperwork and long journey home

Submitted by Steve on 14:53, 6th Aug, 2024 | 0

On the 6th November 2023 a loggerhead turtle was washed up on the West Coast of Guernsey.

Barnacle Bill as the young turtle was called has since that time been in the care of the GSPCA.

On arrival she was very cold and weak but in the care of the Animal Shelter quickly improved and has been growing and putting weight on ever since.

She was microchipped back in November and the paperwork submitted for her travels home to warmer waters and although thankfully we received the Guernsey export paperwork very quickly thanks to the Guernsey States Vets.

Share

Barnacle Bill continues to be in care at the GSPCA as we await the much needed paperwork for the long journey home

Submitted by Steve on 16:02, 20th Mar, 2024 | 0

On the 6th November 2023 a loggerhead turtle was washed up on the West Coast of Guernsey.

Barnacle Bill as the young turtle was called has since that time been in the care of the GSPCA.

On arrival she was very cold and weak but in the care of the Animal Shelter quickly improved and has been growing and putting weight on ever since.

Share

Barnacle Bill now Barnacleless at the GSPCA in Guernsey

Submitted by Steve on 17:21, 6th Nov, 2023 | 0

You have likely seen the story of Barnacle Bill who was rescued earlier today at Chouet.

To see the full story please visit - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/barnacle-bill-loggerhead-sea-turtle-one-casualties-gspca-storm-ciaran

After arriving at the GSPCA just after 930am this morning local vet and President of the GSPCA popped in with some of his team from the Vetcare Centres to provide Barnacle Bill which much needed treatment.

Share

Barnacle Bill the loggerhead sea turtle one of the casualties at the GSPCA from Storm Ciaran

Submitted by Steve on 11:20, 6th Nov, 2023 | 0

As well as all the storm damage at the GSPCA we have seen many casualties over the last few days.

Today a couple rescued a young loggerhead turtle from Chouet.

Michael Le Page said “We were walking along Chouet this morning  where we discovered many things washed up and one was a sea turtle covered in barnacles.2

“We nearly didn’t see him, but once we realised what he was we picked him up and got him to the GSPCA.”

Michaela Le Page said “We thought he was dead at first as he wasn’t moving.”

“Thankfully he moved so we got him to the GSPCA.”

Share

International Turtle Day – Have you lost your yellow bellied slider

Submitted by Steve on 15:07, 23rd May, 2023 | 0

Today is International Turtle Day and we have helped many turtles at the GSPCA including those that have been flown to Gran Canaria like Olivia the Loggerhead Turtle that was rescued in 2016 and Murtle the Green Turtle that was rescued 20 years ago when we celebrated 130 years.

On Thursday a Yellow Bellied Slider which is a type of turtle was rescued at Albecq and we are currently appealing to find his owner.

Share