Barnacle Bill, a loggerhead sea turtle rescued in 2023 after being found covered in barnacles on Guernsey following a storm, is set to be released back into the wild near the Azores almost three years later. Initially cared for by the Guernsey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Barnacle Bill was transferred in 2024 to the Sea Life Brighton rehabilitation centre, where she was nurtured from under 1kg to over 13kg. The centre prepared her for release by simulating natural conditions and minimizing human contact to ensure she could survive independently.

Loggerhead turtles are a vulnerable species threatened by habitat loss and accidental capture in fishing gear. Experts note that turtles found in UK waters often arrive due to human impacts like pollution and climate change, but the cold waters are unsuitable for their survival. Sea Life Brighton’s release of Barnacle Bill marks its first since opening, with staff emphasizing the importance of contacting rescue teams rather than returning stranded turtles directly to the sea, as improper handling can be fatal.