A loggerhead turtle has been rescued after being found by a member of the RNLI in a rockpool in Cornwall.
The 20cm (8ins) turtle, who has been named Steve, was found on Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel. He is the second loggerhead to be found inside a month.
Steve was taken to Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium where he is recovering with the other rescued turtle, Squirt, who was found near Porthleven in August.
The aquarium said it planned to release both turtles in the Canary Islands.
David Waines of the aquarium said: “Although Steve is dehydrated, he is one of the healthiest looking loggerheads we have received at Blue Reef.
“There was no visible damage except for an old injury to the rear right side of his shell.
“He’s fortunate to have been stranded at a time of year when the Cornish coastal water temperature is at 18C (64F), and we are confident he will make a full recovery.”
Mr Waines added: “He has also started to take some small pieces of mackerel which is very encouraging.
“In the coming weeks, as he recovers, he will undergo further checks to gain a greater insight into his overall health.”
Loggerhead turtles were listed as an endangered species in 1978.
Most are born along the coasts of Mexico and Florida, although there are separate populations in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
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