Hope the loggerhead has hit a small but encouraging milestone in her recovery. The Florida sea turtle no longer needs a compression bandage after losing one of her front flippers in an anchor line entanglement.
Following another wound care visit with veterinarian Dr. Terry, The Turtle Hospital shared an update on Hope’s treatment. In a video posted by the hospital, staff brought Hope out of the water for care and carried out new X-rays and blood tests.
“You might notice she is missing her bandage. That’s a good sign,” a person from Hope’s care team told followers in the video.
The Turtle Hospital said the injury site is healing much more cleanly. Staff said the wound showed “some good scabbing,” but added that Hope still has “a long way to go to be completely healed.”
Hope is continuing to receive regular wound care and broad-spectrum antibiotics, according to the hospital. Staff also said they lowered the water level in her tank for the latest exam before refilling it afterward.
The hospital said Hope is still being closely monitored as she recovers. Her favourite foods are lobster and shrimp, and she is also eating mackerel and squid.
The Turtle Hospital is also using Hope’s recovery to raise money for continued animal care. It said Hope bracelets have been restocked, and custom Hope stickers are still available.
Followers welcomed the update in the comments.
“She’s doing amazing with 1 front flipper. y’all are great,” one person wrote.
“I love Hope. She seems like such a chill girl, and looks so happy and peaceful when she’s getting scrubbies. I’m glad her healing journey is going so well!” another wrote.
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