This Summer the Blue Reef Aquarium celebrates its resident turtle’s ten year anniversary.
The Loggerhead Sea turtle (Caretta caretta), known as Omiros, arrived at Newquay’s local aquarium ten years ago after his rescue.
Rescued off the coast of Greece, the 45 plus year old turtle has been living at the aquarium ever since.
Lara Heaney, Displays Supervisor at Blue Reef Aquarium said: “Omiros was found with a fish hook wounding his eye, eventually leading to blindness in both eyes. He wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild on his own so he lives here and is cared for by our team of aquarists.
Lara added: “We target feed him so he gets his daily meals and he touches the sides of the ocean tank so he can feel his way. He’s such a great character, we love having him here.”
There are seven species of sea turtles and they are categorised as either vulnerable or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
Blue Reef Aquarium has been involved in a number of turtle rescue and rehabilitation and release projects over the years, including the baby loggerhead Tallulah who was successfully released back into the wild after receiving round the clock care.
To mark the ten year anniversary of Omiros’ arrival and the aquariums contribution to the rescue and release of these amazing sea creatures, they are going turtle crazy over the summer holidays with special turtle activities. To learn more about Blue Reef Aquarium, the aquariums involvement in turtle rescue and to find out about its turtle crazy summer visit https://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay/
For more information or to arrange pictures, interviews and filming opportunities please contact Melissa Hallam or Steve Matchett on 01637 878134.
