On Thursday morning a veterinarian from SeaWorld Orlando performed emergency surgery on a rescued sea turtle, removing fishing hooks from its throat and eye socket.
The turtle underwent surgery following x-rays and blood work evaluation. According to the veterinarian who performed the procedure, Dr. Michelle Davis, both of the fishing hooks were successfully removed – one from its esophagus and one from the eye socket. The turtle is doing well following the procedure, and its health will continue to be monitored over the next several weeks by the Aquarium department at SeaWorld Orlando.
The sea turtle was discovered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - an organisation committed to managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. The turtle, a juvenile green sea turtle weighing approximately four kilograms, was rescued near Vero Beach, Florida and brought to SeaWorld Orlando.
So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 33 sea turtles. In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programmes to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the waters.
Green sea turtles are among the largest turtles in the world are so ancient that the species was around at the same time as the dinosaurs.
For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need -- ill, injured and orphaned. More than 25,000 animals have been rescued by our experts. SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more at SeaWorldCares.com.
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