Turtle rescued in Albany dies

A washed up loggerhead turtle that was rescued from Middleton Beach has died from dehydration.

The turtle was found inside the Ellen Cove shark barrier on Saturday, with locals helping it escape.

It was found less than an hour later on Middleton Beach exhausted, where it was picked up by wildlife carers and taken to Perth Zoo.

A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions spokeswoman said despite efforts to save the turtle, it died from dehydration and fatigue from its travels.

“The turtle was dehydrated and was taken to Perth Zoo for veterinary assessment. Unfortunately, the turtle could not be saved and died on Sunday night.”

“Loggerhead turtles are not normally found this far south, it is likely that it was carried down the west coast on the warmer waters of the Leeuwin current.”

“Once it encountered the colder waters of the Southern Ocean, it ceased feeding.”