Children Make Rare Discovery of Turtle Washed Up on West Wales Beach
Two young brothers, Theo Lawrence aged eight and Joshua Lawrence aged three, had a surprising encounter during a walk with their family on Christmas Eve at Newgale beach in Pembrokeshire. What they initially mistook for a large crab turned out to be a turtle that had washed up on the beach.
The boys, intrigued by their discovery, took pictures of the turtle before realising that it had sadly passed away. While it may seem uncommon, incidents of turtles being stranded on UK shores are reportedly increasing, with stormy weather and strong currents believed to be factors bringing turtles into colder waters.
Earlier this year, the Royal Navy assisted in the return of six loggerhead turtles to their original Atlantic habitat after they were found washed up in parts of Wales and the southwest of England. These turtles, which had been cared for by aquariums in Anglesey and Cornwall, were at risk of cold stunning due to the colder waters in the UK compared to their usual warmer habitats.
Dan Lawrence, the father of Joshua and Theo, expressed his surprise at the discovery, stating that in their 30 years of living in the area, they had never encountered such a sight. He described the experience as rare and memorable, despite the unfortunate demise of the turtle found at Newgale beach.
The Marine Conservation Society (MSC) advises that if a turtle is found washed up on a UK beach, it should not be returned to the water as it is likely suffering from cold water shock. Instead, the discovery should be reported to wildlife organizations such as the RSPCA or MSC for appropriate handling.
The increasing occurrences of stranded turtles serve as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation efforts and the impact of environmental changes on marine life. The Lawrence family’s unexpected discovery highlights the need for public awareness and education regarding the conservation of marine ecosystems and wildlife.
This heartwarming yet poignant story of the children’s unique find on a Welsh beach serves as a reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of protecting our marine life for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.