In early June, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel spotted a loggerhead sea turtle struggling in Florida waters. After they hauled the 150-pound sea turtle aboard, they realized that she was tethered to an abandoned anchor, which had wrapped itself tightly around her right front flipper.
The endangered loggerhead, later named Hope, was immediately taken to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida — a veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center for sea turtles.
“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.”
“Despite everything she’s been through, Hope has shown us just how strong she is,” the post continued. “She’s been feisty, alert, and full of fight throughout her treatments — a promising sign as she begins her rehabilitation journey.”
On June 10, Hope’s health was still in dire straits. The Turtle Hospital veterinary staff realized that 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 center explained 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.”
Throughout her healing process, Hope struggled to eat, with no signs of appetite — even when they dangled a meaty lobster tail over her tank.
Fortunately, after a steady intake of fluids and a “specialized diet,” Hope woke up hungry one day.
“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,” they added. “Keep cheering her on!”
After her amputation, the base of Hope’s flipper was also 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 Turtle Hospital gave Hope a “spa day.”
“It was time for a wound bandage change, and let’s just say… Hope was feeling a little feisty!” The center shared, alongside a video of Hope wiggling her flippers as she was lifted out of a tank and scrubbed with small brushes. “That’s okay though — we’ll happily take a little turtle attitude.”
After a perilous month, The Turtle Hospital thanked everyone who had followed Hope’s journey online and purchased specialized “Hope” stickers on their store to support her medical care.
“She’s continuing to make progress, eating well, and healing with each passing day,” the center 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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Featured Image: The Turtle Hospital/Facebook
