Thanks to a new device generously donated to Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center, one of our newest sea turtle patients is on the road to recovery.  

Biscuit the loggerhead sea turtle was brought to our Healing Center on May 21. Brevard County Ocean Rescue responded after Biscuit became entangled in a fisherman’s line. While the fishing line didn’t leave any lasting harm, Biscuit’s left flipper had presumedly been injured by a predator. 

Our Healing Center team tried to help the injury, which was revealed to be a compound fracture, with leech therapy and lymphatic massage when Biscuit arrived. Biscuit was also placed on antibiotics and pain medication. Unfortunately, our team found on May 22 there was no blood flow to the flipper, and it would need to be removed.  

This procedure was carefully done by our veterinary team using a new carbon dioxide laser. This device was purchased thanks to a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through their Sea Turtles Conservation Program, a partnership between NFWF, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

A laser was an especially effective tool for this procedure because it reduced bleeding and is less painful. Biscuit was also given negative-pressure wound therapy, which helped reduce swelling and remove fluids from the affected area, promoting improved blood flow and new skin cell growth. 

While Biscuit’s prognosis is still guarded, we’re hopeful this sea turtle will make a full recovery and be able to be released back into the ocean. Even with three flippers, Biscuit will still be able to navigate and aid their native range.  

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.