Loggerhead Sea Turtle found with cold shock in BC waters returned to the wild

An endangered species of sea turtle is back in its own waters after finding itself in BC’s frigid waters earlier this year.

The loggerhead sea turtle, named Moira by her rescuers, was found cold-stunned in Peddler Bay on Feb. 4, 2024.

The severely hypothermic sea turtle had a core temperature of only 8C when she was admitted, and had to be brought back to health by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR).

Months later, VAMMR worked with SeaWorld San Diego Rescue and Turtles Fly Too to transfer and release Moira to the warm waters of San Diego.

The teams each played an integral part in bringing Moira home, including the Vancouver Aquarium, VAMMR being the only facility in Western Canada that could provide the unique care that the turtle needed.

“This has been a remarkable story for Moira. I am very proud of the vital role that VAMMR and Vancouver Aquarium staff have played in getting her ready to be released by SeaWorld and Turtles Fly Too,” said VAMMR Executive Director Dr. Martin Haulena.

Moria is estimated to be between 15 and 20-years-old, and at the time of her rescue she was only the second reported sighting of a loggerhead sea turtle in BC, as the species is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Moria was flown by Turtles Fly Too all the way to SeaWorld in San Diego, when she had to undergo an assessment to make sure she could swim and dive in deeper pools.

The efforts put in to get Moria back home were vital, as females play a crucial role in the survival of endangered species.

Before being released, the turtle was fitted with a satellite tracker so the teams can follow her journey and monitor her movements.