A Tiny Turtle’s Epic Journey: From Scottish Shores to the Azores
Iona, a loggerhead turtle barely the size of a dinner plate, braved a frigid Scottish winter and a 1,700-mile journey to find her way home.
Imagine this: a tiny turtle, found cold, stunned, and dehydrated on the windswept shores of Iona, a remote Scottish island. This little creature, barely surviving, was one of the smallest live stranded loggerheads ever recorded in the UK!
Against all odds, Iona was rescued and transported to Sea Life in Loch Lomond, then to Sea Life in Scarborough, where she spent 18 months recovering. The dedicated care team nurtured her back to health, marveling at her resilience.
Now, Iona’s story takes a dramatic turn. She was flown 1,700 miles to the Azores, her natural habitat in the Atlantic! The moment she was released back into the open ocean, a collective sigh of relief and joy swept through the dedicated team who had helped her.
Iona’s remarkable recovery highlights the interconnectedness of our planet and the importance of conservation. Her story serves as a reminder that every creature, no matter how small, deserves a chance at life.
Researchers fitted Iona with a satellite tag, allowing them to track her movements. They anticipate she could even travel as far as North America, as loggerheads migrate to nesting beaches once they reach maturity.
One brave turtle, a testament to the amazing power of resilience and nature’s ability to heal.
Follow Iona’s journey and stay tuned for updates on her adventures in the wild!
