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Turtle Flies 22-hours Across The Atlantic Back to Texas

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Author Tara Panton, BSc (Honors) Marine Biology

rare turtle rescued and returned to texas
Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

Welcome to ‘Turtle Tally Flies Home to Texas’

Imagine walking along the beach and stumbling upon a rare sea turtle, miles away from its native habitat. This was the reality for a dog walker in 2021 when they discovered Tally, a female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, stranded and near death.

Kemp’s Ridley Turtles

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

Kemp’s ridley turtles are primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal waters of eastern North America. However, the Gulf Stream’s unpredictable currents can sometimes sweep these young turtles to distant shores, like the frigid Northeast Atlantic.

Tally’s Fight for Survival

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

When Tally was found, she was in a critical state, battling the cold and the odds of survival. Thankfully, the Anglesey Sea Zoo in Wales took her under their care, providing months of intensive rehabilitation.

20 Months

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

The zoo worked tirelessly to nurse Tally back to health. Their efforts were not in vain. After 20 months, Tally was ready for her next big adventure: returning home.

Tally’s Journey Home

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

Transporting an endangered sea turtle across continents is no small feat. It required collaboration from various organizations, including Turtles Fly Too, a nonprofit dedicated to relocating sea turtles.

Transatlantic Flight

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

With the necessary paperwork secured and logistics in place, Tally embarked on a 22-hour transatlantic flight back to Texas.

A Beacon of Hope

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

Before her anticipated release into the Gulf of Mexico, researchers will attach a tracking device to Tally’s shell. This temporary addition will allow scientists to monitor her movements, ensuring she safely readjusts to her natural habitat.

Did You Know This About Kemp’s Ridley Turtles?

Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

Endangered Sea Turtle

A large Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle – Lepidochelys kempii. Image via Depositphotos

Kemp’s ridley turtles are among the world’s most endangered sea turtles. Their numbers dwindled dangerously close to extinction in the 1980s.

Completely Round Shell

Image via Depositphotos

These turtles have a unique, almost completely round shell that can grow up to 2ft long, and they can weigh approximately 88lb.

What They Eat

sea turtle
Image via Pixabay

While they primarily feed on crustaceans, they also enjoy a diet of various foods, including seaweed.

Final Thoughts on Turtle Tally

rare turtle rescued and returned to texas
Image credit: Courtesy of KHOU 11 (screenshot from YouTube)

Tally’s incredible journey from the beaches of Wales to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico is a heartwarming tale of resilience, collaboration, and hope. It serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation efforts. As Tally swims freely in her native waters, she carries with her a story of triumph and the collective efforts of those who ensured her survival.

Thanks for following along

baby turtles
Baby sea turtles hatching in a turtle farm in Hikkaduwa. Sri Lanka. Selective Foucs. Image via Depositphotots.

Watch the full story HERE.

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Loggerhead Sea Turtle. ukanda, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Loggerhead Sea Turtle. ukanda, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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