Rescued sea turtle who captured people's hearts at aquarium has died

A LOGGERHEAD sea turtle that became famous after taking up residence at a Newquay aquarium following its rescue has died.

Omiros arrived at Blue Reef Aquarium in 2009 after being rescued from the coast of Greece two years earlier. He had suffered serious injuries after becoming entangled with a fishhook, which wounded one eye, and the other sustained heavy damage, eventually leaving him completely blind in both eyes.

Blue Reef Aquarium stepped in to give him a permanent retirement home as he was unable to hunt or survive independently in the wild. He soon captured the attention and hearts of visitors who came to see him at the attraction.

He has been cared for by the dedicated aquarists and aquarium team. Omiros navigated his large ocean display tank with grace by using his flippers to touch the walls and rocks, literally feeling his way around despite his complete lack of sight.

A spokesperson for Blue Reef Aquarium said: “We are saddened to announce the passing of Omiros, our much-loved rescued loggerhead sea turtle, who had been a cherished member of the aquarium family for more than 17 years.

“Omiros was a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), one of seven species of sea turtle found around the world's oceans. His story is a reminder of the challenges marine animals can face, and the important role aquariums can play in caring for animals that are unable to return to the wild.

“Over the years, Omiros became far more than one of the aquarium's most recognisable residents. He was a huge character with a personality that visitors and aquarists alike came to know and love. From slowly cruising through the ocean tank, Omiros had a remarkable ability to capture the attention and hearts of everyone who came to see him.

“His presence in the aquarium also helped thousands of visitors learn more about loggerhead sea turtles, the threats facing marine wildlife and the importance of protecting our oceans.

“Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay would like to thank everyone who has visited Omiros, shared their memories of him and followed his story over the years. He will be deeply missed by the Blue Reef Aquarium team, and by the many thousands of visitors who came to know him as one of the aquarium's most unforgettable residents.”

Steve Matchett, general manager and curator at Blue Reef Aquarium, added: “Omiros was a very special animal and will be incredibly missed by everyone at Blue Reef Aquarium.

“He was such a huge character and, over the many years he spent with us, became a really important part of the aquarium family. Our aquarists knew his individual personality and routines so well, and generations of visitors have grown up seeing him swimming through our ocean tank.

"Although we are devastated by his loss, we are incredibly proud to have been able to give Omiros a safe and comfortable home for so many years. He touched the lives of an enormous number of people and played an important role in helping our visitors understand and appreciate these incredible animals."