Bling’s injuries have been healing well!

We’re hooked on our newest sea turtle patient, Bling!  

This juvenile green sea turtle was found entangled in fishing line at a fishing pier in Port Canaveral and brought to our Sea Turtle Healing Center. While our veterinary team was able to remove most of the fishing line after this turtle’s arrival, a fishing hook was deeply embedded in Bling’s front right flipper, inspiring his shiny name. The hook made three holes and had reached the turtle’s bone. The hook appeared to have been there for a while, and the prolonged bone exposure meant some pieces of dead bone had to be removed. While this type of injury would be considered an emergency in a mammal, sea turtles can heal from some pretty gnarly injuries.  

After some antibiotics and raw honey treatment, Bling was on his way to recovery. Our team continues to monitor this turtle for signs of bone infection and cleans the wound frequently, but so far Bling’s healing progress has been steady.  

While we’re happy with the progress we’ve seen in Bling, we also recognize that this turtle was seemingly healthy before they got caught up in a dangerous situation. Derelict fishing gear is one of the biggest threats facing sea turtles today, so it’s important that everyone does their part to help avoid outcomes like Bling’s, or worse. If you fish, always retrieve your gear from the water and make sure you leave the pier or beach cleaner that you found it.  

Also, be aware of sea turtles that are hanging out nearby. If you see a turtle that frequents your pier, consider not fishing while the turtle is in the area. Likewise, if you see an injured sea turtle or one struggling with fishing gear entanglement, please report it to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. Make sure to not touch the turtle, as you may do more harm than good.  

We hope to send Bling back to his ocean home soon. Stay tuned for more updates on his recovery and release.  

Have you found a sea turtle that needs help? Visit this page or call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. Want to help the Sea Turtle Healing Center? Support our Zoo, or view our Healing Center’s wishlist.