Haleakala's Story
Flipper Amputation
This juvenile green sea turtle was found entangled in fishing line wound so tightly around their front right flipper, that it had cut off circulation to the limb. The rehabilitation staff applied live leeches to the flipper to reduce inflammation and promote blood flow and circulation. Haleakala then received medical maggot therapy, to remove dead tissue and help stimulate the growth of new, healthy tissue. Despite our best efforts, Haleakala’s flipper did not show signs of improvement and required amputation.
This patient also underwent a Fibropapilloma tumor removal surgery, and has since made a full recovery! Halekala was released back into the wild on December 21st, 2022 near Hutchinson Island, FL.
Name: Haleakala
Species: Green (Cm)
Age class: Juvenile
Admission date: 9/7/22
Ailment: Entanglement, FP
Weight: 9.35 kg
Updates
9/7/22: Admitted for rehab. Begin supportive care regiment and daily honey application.
9/10/22: Leech therapy.
9/18/22: Maggot therapy.
9/27/22: Successful tumor flipper amputation surgery.
10/5/22: Blood drawn and evaluated. Continuing to provide post-surgery supportive care and monitor progress.
10/13/22: Tube fed the passed 3 days. Turtle showing slight interest in green peppers.
10/14/22: Patient now eating all protein, lettuce, and some green peppers!
10/26/22: Blood drawn and evaluated.
11/26/22: Patient swimming and active and awaiting a tumor removal surgery.
12/06/22: Successful tumor removal surgery!
12/21/22: Fully healed, tagged and released.
