Sea turtle treated for 22 years, finally released into the ocean
In Ireland, a sea turtle named Molly was released into the Atlantic Ocean after 22 years of treatment and rehabilitation. The animal was found severely injured on a beach in 2004. Due to damaged front flippers, specialists long doubted whether she could survive independently in the wild and even considered making her prostheses, writes the BBC.
The turtle was found by Irishwoman Mary Cronin during a walk with her young children on a beach near Castlegregory on the Dingle Peninsula. Shortly before, the coast had been hit by a strong Atlantic storm, leaving behind a lot of seaweed and debris.
"Something stirred among the seaweed, and we saw the turtle," the woman recalls.
The animal was severely hypothermic, and her front flippers had serious injuries, likely from a shark attack. The family contacted the local Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. About half an hour later, staff arrived at the beach with containers of warm water to rescue the turtle.
Mary named her Molly — after her own nickname. Since then, the turtle lived at the aquarium, where she received veterinary care. Attempts to fit her with flipper prostheses were unsuccessful.
The Cronin family visited Molly for many years. Mary's children have grown up and now live in New Zealand: son Barry works as a conservation biologist, and daughter Aisling is a teacher. Mary says the turtle remained a part of their family's life.
In May 2026, Molly was transferred to a specialized rehabilitation center, Zoomarine Porto d'Abrigo, in Portugal. Before this, she was prepared for independent life for six months: taught to find food and survive without human assistance. During one of her medical examinations, veterinarians also discovered that the turtle was developing eggs.
According to specialists' estimates, when Molly was found, she was about ten years old and weighed only 12 kilograms. Now her weight has reached 120 kilograms.
On October 28, the turtle was released into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 22 kilometers off the coast of the Portuguese Algarve region. A satellite transmitter was attached to her shell, allowing researchers to track her movements.
DNA research showed that Molly is genetically linked to loggerhead sea turtle populations from the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists hope she will eventually be able to reach that area.
Loggerhead sea turtles usually live 50-80 years, sometimes longer. However, this species is considered vulnerable. In the wild, Molly is threatened by ocean plastic, fishing nets and gear, and collisions with vessels.
Kevin Flannery, director and founder of the Irish aquarium, noted that the turtle became an integral part of the institution, and many staff members got to know her. However, he emphasized the importance of returning such animals to their natural environment so they can survive and reproduce.
The aquarium hopes that Molly will be able to adapt to life in the wild and leave offspring. Mary Cronin admitted that the turtle's return to the ocean reminded her of her own children moving to another continent. She is very happy that Molly is back in her natural environment and is looking forward to news about her life in the wild.
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