‘Columbus’ The Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Announcement by Galway Atlantaquaria.

RESCUE Story part 1

RESCUE STORY Part 1

Galway Atlantaquaria and the Padden Family would like to officially announce the rescue of ‘Columbus’ the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Caretta caretta. We are in the process of rehabilitating Columbus with the intention of returning it to warm waters.

Galway Atlantaquaria would like to introduce our latest ocean champion, Jonathan Padden.

Jonathan was walking along Faulmore Beach in County Mayo on Friday, 28th February, with his family when he came across a strange-looking rock. 

This rock turned out to be a small Loggerhead Turtle. 

A quick search on the internet told them that turtles can go into a cold shock and that even though they appear to be dead, quick actions can save them. 

They contacted Gemma O’ Connor from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Groups live stranding hotline who contacted staff at the aquarium. We then arranged to meet Jonathan and his family in Castlebar.

Jonathan did an excellent job taking care of the turtle during those first crucial hours, keeping the turtle, which he named Columbus, in a box with a soft towel and driving to Castlebar with the car heating off to make sure the turtle didn’t warm up too quickly.

Due to Jonathan’s swift actions, Columbus is now doing well under the constant supervision of the aquarium staff and a team of vets. 

A big thank you to Gemma and the rest of the team at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and our local vets, Rita Gately & Lindsey Cox, for all their support. 

#SeaTurtleRescue

#ColumbusTheTurtle

#LoggerheadRescue

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About Galway Atlantaquaria,

Galway Atlantaquaria, is Ireland’s largest native species Aquarium in the heart of Sathill, Galway City. Our goal is to engage, educate, and inspire people to protect our most vulnerable biodiversity and ecosystems.