Live turtle found in Gozo fountain

Workers from the Works Division in Gozo were surprised to find a live loggerhead turtle at the bottom of the 'Three Hills' fountain opposite the Sir M.A. Refalo Post Secondary School in Republic Street, Victoria, during a cleaning operation on Tuesday morning.

It is not known how the turtle, which is listed as a protected species, ended up in the fountain or how long it had been there. However a hamburger seller was reported to have told the workers that he had seen the turtle the previous week.

A student said the turtle appeared in the sediment at the bottom of the fresh water fountain after the water was pumped out for the cleaning operation.

The 35cm long turtle appeared to be in good condition.

The Marine Life Rescue Unit was contacted but since the unit had no branch in Gozo, the student accompanied by a school official was instructed to free the turtle into the sea.

The turtle was first taken to Marsalforn, but since the sea there was rough they decided to free the turtle at Xlendi.

The turtle happily swam off, enjoying the open sea and its new found freedom.