THIS little fellow is being nursed back to health after washing up a long way from home.

Weymouth Sea Life centre staff spent the night nursing this injured Loggerhead turtle, who was discovered off the Isles of Scilly.

The young turtle has already survived an incredible journey. It was brought to Weymouth Sea Life centre by British Diver Marine Life Rescue volunteers from the Cornish coast late on Monday, and has been receiving urgent care from the animal care experts in Weymouth. At Weymouth Sea Life the rare Loggerhead turtle was nursed through the night and has received the utmost attention to ensure its survival.

The rescue operation comes as the Dorset Wildlife Trust has announced a call to members of the public to report sightings of any turtles washed up on the beach in the area as a matter of urgency, following the discovery of four turtles in just nine days.

It is thought that winter storms have been tough on sea wildlife, including the species of Loggerhead turtle, which is endangered and rarely encountered in UK waters. Fiona Smith, displays curator at Weymouth Sea Life said: “The turtle arrived here late last Monday and we are doing all we can to ensure its survival. This young turtle is clearly a fighter and has made it through the night, as well as across a long journey to get here, so we’re all very hopeful.”

“We’ve put him in a special nursery area so that we can keep a very close eye on his progress and will be doing our utmost to get it back to health and back to its’ natural environment.”

Weymouth SEA LIFE is home to more than 1,000 sea creatures. For more information visit sealifeweymouth.com/