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One Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle’s Unexpected Journey

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One Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle’s Unexpected Journey

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Image Credit: Cascade

Picture your last family road trip:

Did you take the wrong exit on the interstate, make a right instead of a left, or venture a bit too far past your destination?

How would you feel if your little mistake caused you to stray 5,000 miles off-course?

The critically-endanged Kemps Ridley sea turtle is a precious gift to our oceans. One Kemps Ridley hatchling, usually found in the Gulf of Mexico, traveled more than 5,000 miles from its home to Barrow, Cumbria.

Once found, the little one began receiving round-the-clock care from specialist veterinarian Vicki Temple on Walney Island.

Turtles prefer warmer waters and inhabit the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic ocean off the east coast of the U.S.

Rod Penrose, a sea turtle expert, explained that sea temperatures have suddenly dropped off and left sea turtles stunned by the cold.

What exactly does “stunned by the cold” mean for the turtles?

They become lethargic, unable to swim against strong ocean currents or even feed themselves. Once in this state, experts say the Gulf Stream is responsible for their unexpected journey.

gulfstream

British Divers Marine Life Rescue marine biologist Sarah Neill fully recognizes the critical nature of the situation.

“It is possible more may wash up on our shores. At this point, the turtle is still in critical condition, but it if makes it then arrangements will be made to fly it back over the Atlanta to America for release back into the ocean where it belongs,” said Neill.

Read more on this lucky little guy from The Telegraph.

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