Aer Lingus has welcomed a rescued green sea turtle named Solstice aboard flight EI782, destined for Gran Canaria for rehabilitation.
Solstice was discovered stranded on Christmas Eve 2024 by a volunteer from Hogsprickle Rescue in Co. Clare and was treated for pneumonia and meningitis at Dingle Oceanworld.
After five months of extensive treatment and recovery, the turtle is ready to return to warmer waters, weighing 3kg and measuring 30 cm in length.
Captain Conor Barrett worked with Dingle Oceanworld to ensure Solstice’s journey included custom transport containers and onboard environmental controls for safety.
Solstice, the green sea turtle, with marine biologists Maria Foley and Jack Shea Stokes from Dingle Oceanworld and Aer Lingus cabin crew Ella Walsh checking into Aer Lingus flight EI782 to Gran Canaria at Dublin Airport.
Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus, shared: Aer Lingus is proud to support the team at Dingle Oceanworld in their remarkable efforts to give Solstice a second chance. Every measure has been taken to ensure Solstice’s safety and comfort as she travels with Aer Lingus to Gran Canaria. Solstice has her own assigned seat, right next to her carer, and a specially designed container that has been fitted safely by our engineering team to ensure a smooth journey. Green sea turtles are an endangered species and this vital conservation effort provides Solstice with the opportunity to recover and flourish, helping to safeguard the future of her species.”
Kevin Flannery, Director, Dingle Oceanworld, shared: “Solstice is a real survivor and has shown real resilience to overcome both pneumonia and meningitis. We estimate that Solstice is between 5 and 8 years old – which is very young given that green sea turtles live up to 90 years. Given her long potential lifespan, it was crucial that we did everything possible to return her to her native waters, ensuring she has the best chance to thrive and contribute to the health of the sea turtle population.”
