Barnacle Bill is off to Brighton

BARNACLE Bill has finally left Guernsey for a new temporary home in Brighton.

‘Barnacle Bill’ the turtle left the island this week on Condor Islander for Seal Life Brighton with all paperwork finally signed off. Left to right, the GSPCA’s Geoff George, Condor’s Ian Le Moigne and GSPCA manager Steve Byrne. (Picture by Chris George, 33865339)

The loggerhead turtle washed up on local shores in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran and has been rehabilitating at the GSPCA for the last 13 months.

But most of that time has been spent arranging paperwork and transport to take her back to warmer waters.

‘It’s been a long journey for us and Barnacle Bill here at the GSPCA and we’re very excited to see her on her way,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.

‘Barnacle Bill has just arrived in the UK and we are awaiting the update from Geoff when she will be at sea Life Brighton, who have incredible turtle rehab facilities, for a short stay before heading with the Royal Navy when available to take her to home waters.’

When she was found, Barnacle Bill was cold and weak, but has since gone from 700g to 3.8kg.

She has also grown more than six inches and is now 18 inches long.

Guernsey export paperwork was received by the animal charity quickly, but the GSPCA has spent a nearly a year trying to get somewhere to help her with her release.

The first option was Gran Canaria, but this was met with complications so locations such as Cape Verde, Turkey, Bermuda, Azores and others were explored, but nothing came to fruition.

‘To move endangered species like loggerhead turtles we require export and import Cites documents. Although we received the Guernsey forms very quickly we have had many challenges getting help from other countries, hence we have had to look at this alternate option which also came with some challenges,’ said Mr Byrne.

‘Last year, other UK-rescued turtles had similar issues, but we were overjoyed to hear recently that nine of them were helped by the Royal Navy to be returned to warmer waters.’

Like the turtles rehabilitated at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay, Barnacle Bill is hoping to catch a ride with the Navy.

She was transported by Condor Ferries for free to journey onwards to SeaLife Brighton.

‘We transport many types of animals on our sailings each year so understand the importance of supporting organisations such as the GSPCA for the work they do in the Island,’ said a Condor Ferries spokesman.

‘It is a privilege to assist Steve, Geoff and the dedicated team by helping carry this very special passenger.’

The GSPCA will post updates of Barnacle Bill’s journey.