Much loved Weymouth Green Sea Turtle 'Gumbo' put to sleep
'Gumbo' has been part of the Weymouth Sea Life park for 11 years
Last updated 10th Sep 2021
A much loved Green Sea Turtle called Gumbo at Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park has been put to sleep.
Gumbo has been part of the family at the park for 11 years.
Her health deteriorated recently as long term effects of a decades old injury worsened.
In 2000, Gumbo was rescued from Palm Beach after sustaining shell damage from a boat strike and taken to the Turtle Hospital in Florida. The trauma caused buoyancy issues, so she was unable to be returned to the wild and had weights attached to her shell to help her balance.
A spokesperson for Weymouth Sea Life said:
"Gumbo arrived at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park on 22 January 2010, where she lived happily with two other Green Sea Turtles – Sharky and Josie – and all the other creatures in our Night & Day ocean tank.
"Unfortunately, the long term effects of her original injuries recently worsened and her flipper joints deteriorated suddenly, impacting her ability to swim. Following veterinary advice, the reluctant but humane decision was taken to put her to sleep. Sharky and Josie are under close observation, but appear not to be suffering undue distress.
"Gumbo will be sorely missed by our visitors and all of our team who have known and cared for her over the last 11 years. To celebrate her life, we’d love you to share your memories and photos of her below."