A Loggerhead turtle, found on a beach in Co Clare last year, is making her way to her new home in Gran Canaria this afternoon.
'Leona' has been rehabilitated in Galway after being found on a beach at Quilty just over a year ago.
She is now fully recovered and ready to return to sea.
Aer Lingus is flying her to Las Palmas in a custom made lined crate, which will be secured in two seats in the main cabin of the plane.
She will also have her own boarding pass.
In the car on my way to Dublin airport for my @AerLingus flight to Gran Canaria! Bet you're all mad jealous
— Leona Loggerhead (@LeonasLog) December 2, 2014
Leona will be accompanied by Galway county vet Rita Gately and aquarist Joanne Casserley.
In a few days time, she will be released back into the wild complete with a GPS tracking device so her many fans can track her progress.
My GPS information will be available with an interactive map soon. Watch this space: http://t.co/0ThyIzkOYa
— Leona Loggerhead (@LeonasLog) December 2, 2014
Aer Lingus director of communications, Declan Kearney, said: "When we were approached by the county veterinary officer to assist with the transportation of Leona we had no hesitation in agreeing."
"Albeit Leona is one of our more unusual passengers, we are delighted to facilitate her return to her natural habitat. We will continue to follow Leona's story and hope her path back to warmer waters is as smooth as her trip on flight EI 782 today," he added.
