09:00 - 13 August 2002
Cornwall, UK
Loggerhead turtles found stranded on shores in Cornwall are joining holidaymakers on a flight to the Canary Islands.
The two rare turtles were being flown from East Midlands airport to Gran Canaria for release back into the wild.
They were washed up on North Cornwall beaches about a month ago after being dragged by the current from their feeding ground near the Canary Islands.
Staff at Newquay's Blue Reef Aquarium cared for the turtles until they were able to withstand the four-hour flight. Blue Reef spokesman Drew Cumliffe said the turtles would not survive in cold UK waters. "Sometimes, if there is a continuous westerly wind or if the water is warmer than usual the turtles get knocked off course and end up heading north," he said.
The larger turtle, nicknamed Perry, weighs about 35 kilos and is around one metre long. His younger companion, nicknamed Buddy, is around one third of the size.
The creatures were travelling in the cargo hold of a MyTravel Airways charter flight to Gran Canaria.
A Spanish turtle expert will check on Buddy and Perry's condition before they are released back into the wild later this week.
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