Loggerhead turtle stranded on Malaga beach rescued

A loggerhead turtle was rescued last week on a beach in Malaga by the nature protection group (Grupona) of the city’s Local Police.

It is believed that the turtle was stranded on the beach due to the recent strong winds and coastal phenomena that have hit the Costa del Sol.

The police agents transferred the loggerhead turtle to the Grupona facilities, in the Port of Malaga, where it was examined and cared for by municipal veterinarians.

According to herpetologists, turtle strandings at this time of year, due to severe cold, are relatively common.

Colder water in winter can cause turtles to become hypothermic, making it difficult for them to be mobile.

Cold-stunned turtles become lethargic and eventually cannot swim, causing them to float to the surface. The wind and/or tides can carry them ashore.

The rescued turtle has since been transferred to the Center for the Recovery of Threatened Marine Species (Crema) in Cádiz where it will remain until it recovers and can be returned to the sea.

This recent adverse weather has also seen other species stranded in the area, including a minke whale that washed up on La Malagueta beach on Monday 13 February. Unfortunately, this marine creature did not survive and a few days before, on one of the Torremolinos beaches.

READ MORE: