Loggerhead turtle rarely seen in B.C. waters is rescued, suffering hypothermia

VANCOUVER — A loggerhead sea turtle rarely seen in British Columbia waters has been rescued after being found suffering from hypothermia near Victoria.

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society says the reptile nicknamed Moira by staff had a core temperature of only 8.4 C after being found on Sunday in Pedder Bay between Victoria and Sooke.

The society says local marine biologist Anna Hall was the first to respond and played a vital role in the rescue.

The society says the turtle is receiving fluid therapy and antibiotics to nurse it back to health as its temperature is slowly raised.

It says it’s only the second time a loggerhead turtle has been seen in B.C. waters in recent memory, and the species is more commonly seen in subtropical and temperate seas.

Moira weighs about 38 kilograms and is estimated to be 15 to 20 years old.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2024.

The Canadian Press