1 day Ago
Turtle Recovering from Injuries Flown for Rehabilitation
Dilly Dally was admitted to a Florida turtle hospital in January after predator-inflicted injuries to her front flipper. Because the injuries were so severe, veterinarians decided to amputate the flipper, which was the best hope for her survival. She was nursed back to health by a team of medical professionals and volunteers.
“Every turtle release is a magical moment,” said veterinary technician Marika Weber. “It really does mean an awful lot to everybody who was involved in their journey back to the wild.”
Stormy weather almost prevented the release, but the team took Dilly Dally to the beach once the weather broke. A group of beachgoers had shown up to watch and cheer as the turtle squirmed across the sand in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean.
Following Her Travels By Satellite
An electronic satellite tag was affixed to her shell prior to its release. The tag, which was attached in collaboration with the Smithsonian, will enable the public and scientists to track her movements in real time.
The contraption will also offer valuable information on the habits of turtles who have only three flippers, Weber said. “We’ve never really known what happens to them after release,” she said. “Now we’ll have the opportunity to see how their migration or foraging behavior might be different.”
In fact, all sea turtle species are endangered or threatened, so every successful rescue and release is a vital piece of the general conservation puzzle for these magnificent creatures. “Every turtle we’re able to send back to the ocean is a win for the species,” Weber said.
