Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre’s turtle died from kidney failure
Staff at Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre are mourning the loss of their resident green sea turtle George.
Tests results following surgery last week revealed that George had suffered fatal kidney failure, and the difficult decision was taken to put him painlessly to sleep to prevent further suffering.
Nine-year-old George had been at the centre for four years and was a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike.
Darren Gook, senior aquarist, said: “We first realised something was wrong when George went off his food before Christmas. He had blood tests and went to a local vet’s for X-rays, but it wasn’t until he was operated on that the extent of his illness became clear.
“Even then we hoped tests would indicate it was something we could treat him for, but sadly there was nothing more that could be done for him.”
You may also want to watch:
A full post mortem will now be carried out to search for clues as to what might have caused George’s renal failure.
“A healthy green turtle can expect to live to between 70 and 90 years, and George enjoyed a healthy diet and quality care from a very dedicated team,” said Sue Thornton, Sea Life’s specialist vet.
Most Read
- 1 Police on scene as mass vigil for teen enters second day
- 2 Three arrests after more than 100 people gather in Great Yarmouth
- 3 Teenager who died in motorcycle crash named
- 4 Wartime explosives found on Hunstanton and Yarmouth beaches
- 5 Bird's eye view of new £26m seaside leisure centre taking shape
- 6 Most of Norfolk sees Covid cases half in a week
- 7 Coronavirus jabs rolled out to people aged 56 to 59
- 8 Motorcyclist, 17, dies after crashing into lamp post
- 9 Which Norfolk Wetherspoons pubs are reopening from April 12?
- 10 9 big movies filmed in Norfolk - and why there could be more
“George was a real character. We will all miss him very much.” Mr Gook added.