A 68-kilogram loggerhead sea turtle was found struggling in Florida waters in early June, tethered to an abandoned anchor that had wrapped tightly around her right front flipper.
The U.S. Coast Guard hauled the endangered turtle aboard and took her to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, a veterinary hospital and rehabilitation centre for sea turtles. She was later named Hope.
“Upon arrival at our turtle hospital, Hope received emergency medical care, including a full physical exam, bloodwork, weight and measurements, and treatment for her injured flipper,” The Turtle Hospital posted on Facebook on June 7.
“Our veterinary team carefully removed the entangling line, cleaned the wound, and bandaged the area to begin the healing process.”
The hospital said Hope remained “feisty, alert, and full of fight throughout her treatments.”
By June 10, Hope’s condition had worsened and veterinary staff decided they needed to remove her front right flipper to save her life.
“Due to the severity of the line entanglement injury to her front flipper, amputation is the best option to give her a chance at a healthy future,” the centre said in a Facebook update.
“Hope has shown incredible resilience since arriving at our hospital. Despite everything she’s endured, she continues to fight with the same feisty spirit that inspired her name.”
During her recovery, Hope struggled to eat and showed no appetite, even when staff dangled a lobster tail over her tank. The Turtle Hospital later said fluids and a “specialized diet” helped.
“Hope is eating again!” The Turtle Hospital said in a June 17 update.
“After showing interest in food but refusing to take a bite, Hope finally decided it was time for lunch. Today’s menu: six squid [and] two mackerel.”
“This is a huge step forward in her recovery, and we’re feeling hopeful about her progress. Keep cheering her on!”
After the amputation, the base of Hope’s flipper was covered in a “medical honey wrap.”
“While it sounds like a sweet treat, honey is actually a scientific powerhouse for wound care,” The Turtle Hospital staff shared on Facebook on June 24.
“Its high sugar content pulls water right out of bacteria cells (osmosis!), making it impossible for germs to survive.”
On July 3, the hospital said Hope had a “spa day” for a wound bandage change and posted a video of her being lifted out of a tank and scrubbed with small brushes.
“It was time for a wound bandage change, and let’s just say… Hope was feeling a little feisty!” the centre said.
“That’s okay though, we’ll happily take a little turtle attitude.”
After a month of treatment, The Turtle Hospital thanked people who had followed Hope’s recovery online and bought specialised “Hope” stickers from its store to support her medical care.
“She’s continuing to make progress, eating well, and healing with each passing day,” the centre said.
“While we’re still monitoring her condition closely, we’re encouraged by how far she’s come and are so grateful to everyone following along and cheering her on.”
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