heartbreaking decision tomorrow.

Because the rare Leatherback, weighing in at 500 pounds, could be sent back to sea -- even if he has not recovered from illness and injury.

Marine experts at the Aquarium have rigged up a giant tank to take temporary care of the turtle, which has already lost one of his flippers.

But they have been advised by senior scientists in Boston that the sea-reptile, an endangered species, should not be kept out of the ocean for more than two days.

Aquarium curator Jack Ward said recent gales may have forced the turtle inshore for shelter.

He added: "Leatherbacks are completely oceanic species. They only come to land to nest, so this guy is out of his elements in the truest sense of the word.

"He's not the kind of thing we can keep in a tank for any length of time because he will keep swimming and beat himself to shreds against the side of the tank.

"This turtle seems somewhat lethargic and we have been advised by the New England Aquarium that we should hold him for around two days only.

"They also said that to release a lethargic Leatherback into the ocean would be just the same as killing him.'' Mr. Ward said the turtle, netted near Somerset Bridge yesterday afternoon, would only be released if he grew stronger after a course of drugs.

But Aquarium staff will face a dilemma if the turtle starts hurting himself in the tank but has not grown strong enough to survive in the deep.

"That's when we'll have to make a tough decision,'' said Mr. Ward. "We've set up a tank down on the dockside at the Aquarium and we'll monitor his progress for a couple of days.

"We've also given the animal a hefty dose of antibiotics.'' ANIMALS ALS