Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle finally leaves Guernsey thanks to Condor Ferries and Sea Life Brighton

On the 6^th November 2023 a loggerhead turtle was washed up on the West Coast of Guernsey.

Barnacle Bill as the young turtle was called has since that time been in the care of the GSPCA.

On arrival she was very cold and weak but in the care of the Animal Shelter quickly improved and has been growing and putting weight on ever since.

She was microchipped back in November and the paperwork submitted for her travels home to warmer waters and although thankfully we received the Guernsey export paperwork very quickly thanks to the Guernsey States Vets we have spent a nearly a year trying to get somewhere to help her with her release.

Sadly however the Import paperwork which in the first instance was to Gran Canaria was full of complications so we tried exploring other destinations such as Cape Verde, Turkey, Bermuda, Azores and others.

Sadly these also proved unsuccessful so we had to look at another option………..

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle who was rescued back in November 2023 and who was one of Storm Ciarans casualties has been with us for over 13 months despite her being fit for travel after only a short period of care.”

“In that time from just over 700g she has now hit an amazing 3.8kgs.”

“She has also grown over 6 inches in length also, being over 18 inches long now.”

“She recently moved into a larger pool while we continued to seek CITES paperwork and a suitable destination for her to be transported which has proved incredibly frustrating.”

“We are delighted to announce that she is now on route to Sea Life Brighton thanks to Condor Ferries who are kindly providing free transport and she travels with her main care Head of Marine Life Geoff George.”

“To move endangered species like loggerhead turtles we require export and import CITES documents and although we received the Guernsey forms very quickly we have had many challenges getting help from the countries mentioned hence we have had to look at this alternate option which also came with some challenges

“Last years UK rescued turtles have had similar issues and they too have had many for more than 12 months but we were overjoyed to hear recently that 9 of them were helped by the Royal Navy to be returned to warmer waters.”

“Barnacle Bill has just arrived in the UK and we are awaiting the update from Geoff when she will be at sea Life Brighton who have incredible turtle rehab facilities for a short stay before heading with the Royal Navy when available to take her to home waters.”

“We will of course psot updates but a huge thanks to Sea Life Brighton and Condor Ferries and everyone that has helped in her care and journey including the kind offer of the free flight we had.”

“You can still support us with the care of animals like Barnacle Bill and the others by donating by phone  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”

Ian Le Moigne from Condor Ferries said "We transport many types of animals on our sailings each year so understand the importance of supporting organisations such as the GSPCA for the work they do in the Island"

"It is a privilege to assist Steve, Geoff and the dedicated team by helping carry this very special passenger."

Steve continued “For the 1000’s of wild animals that come through the doors we are about to start building a Wildlife Hospital as well as other facilities and to find out more check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal .”

“There are many other ways to get involved and support our work such as the Dolphin Discovery Trail in 2025 https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/year-puffin-parade-auction-could-you-or-your-business-sponsor-dolphin-dolphin-discovery-trail-2 .”

Further updates coming soon......

To see Barnacle Bills arrival story please visit - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/barnacle-bill-loggerhead-sea-turtle-one-casualties-gspca-storm-ciaran

To videos of Barnacle Bill like her leaving and other animals please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGuernseySPCA

To visit the Condor Ferries website – https://www.condorferries.co.uk/

To visit Sea Life Brighton’s website - https://www.visitsealife.com/brighton/

Pictures thanks to Chris George Photgraphy 

https://chrisgeorge.dphoto.com/

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL

The GSPCA have the BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL in our 150 year history and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023 and 151 years in 2024

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 into 151 years and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

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Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -  

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 10th December 2024 - Ref - Dog 10/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Santa Paws Collecting at Pets at Home Decmber 2024

Christmas Tours – to be confirmed

February 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

Easter 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

2025 – Dolphin Parade - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/coming-guernsey-2025-dolphin-parade-thanks-gspca-autism-guernsey

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to please get in touch…………..