Thomas Cook transports rare turtles

TWO rare stranded loggerheads turtles that were rescued from a popular surfing beach in Devon within the same week, have finally been set free after five months of rehabilitation. The turtles were transported by Thomas Cook Airlines from Gatwick Airport to their new home in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, on Monday 23 June.

Named Dink and James, the turtles measure 28cm and 61cm long respectively. According to the Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium, where they were nursed back to health, it is likely that they were born on a beach in the USA or Mexico and somehow, perhaps following a severe storm, were pushed further and further north, with their journey ending on the south coast of England.

Joanna Wild, ground services director at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to play a part in helping these beautiful turtles on their long journey back to freedom. It’s fantastic to know that not only were hundreds of passengers on this flight about to embark on a sun-filled holiday, but also, that two turtles were taking a journey of a different kind.”

Matt Slater, Blue Reef Curator, said: “We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Thomas Cook Airlines and PBS International Freight, who have been instrumental in assisting in the final leg of the rehabilitation of James and Dink. These turtles have been through such an ordeal, but fortunately, their flight to freedom has been wonderfully smooth.”