Leatherback turtle sent to vet college for necropsy

'It was just terrible to see it there'

Image | Leatherback turtle recovery

Caption: The leatherback turtle is recovered from the water off a beach near O'Leary. (Fish and Wildlife PEI/Facebook)

A leatherback turtle found dead on MacDonald's Shore in western P.E.I. has been sent for a necropsy at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
These endangered turtles are known to migrate to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait to feed on jellyfish.

Image | Leatherback turtle recovery, O'Leary, PEI

Caption: The turtle was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College. (Fish and Wildlife PEI/Facebook)

Ivan MacWilliams walks that shore every morning, and came across the dead turtle Monday.
"I noticed a large, black thing in the tidewash," MacWilliams said.
"I lived the beach my whole life. I've never seen one … It was just terrible to see it there."
Officials at the Atlantic Veterinary College say the necropsy could take some time.