Loggerhead sea turtle

In summer, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) comes to the waters around Tenerife from the north of America, Cuba and Mexico. During the warmer months, this endangered species of turtle can be seen near the coast and occasionally on the beach. Weighing in at an average of 135 kg (297.6 lbs), it feeds mostly on invertebrates living on the sea floor and can live as long as 67 years. The Canarian Government has implemented a preservation programme to protect the loggerhead sea turtle and ensure that the specimens that get washed up on the shore are returned to the sea once they have recovered and are able to survive on their own.