The bad news first, we recieved a very sick turtle last week it was covered in fibropapillomas. These are tumours thought to be caused be a pollution related virus.
The turtles eyes had been taken over by the disease.
It also had growths covering the soft tissues on its flippers and neck. Sadly the disease was too fully blown and we were unable to save the turtle.
Onto the good news!
The same week another turtle was also brought in, it had the disease but not at such an advanced stage.
We scrubbed the turtle clean as it was covered in algae. Sick turtles often have this green coating.
We then operated on the turtle and removed a neck tumour. We’re pleased to say its doing well.
Helen above swimming happily in her tank
3 Comments
We were at the center with my husband the day Helen arrived. She seemed very sick ; so we’re very happy to see she’s doing better !
Do you expext to release her in few weeks ?
Thanks for your answer.
Camille (France)
You can just how imagine how polluted the oceans are with toxic chemicals. So sad to see these sorts of human caused diseases on wildlife. We are seeing the same thing here with Tasmanian Devils.
Glad you could save one.
Hi Camillle,
Helen is doing pretty well. She has now been moved form the small paddling pool to one of the big holding tanks. She now eats seagrass and algae on her own. She is also undergoing through an extensive acclimatisation session by taking her to the sea for a bath. We hope to release her soon.
Thanks for your support.