Falafel has been recovering well since their surgery.

We recently welcomed our fourth loggerhead sea turtle patient of the year on Loggerhead Day, June 12! Sea Turtle Week is a global celebration, in mid-June, to raise awareness of the seven species of sea turtles.  

Falafel was rushed to our East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo by Coastal Connections after being found struggling in the Indian River Lagoon. This loggerhead had unfortunately been entangled in an abandoned cast net. This net weighed over ten pounds, that is 10% of this turtle’s body weight pulling on one of two flippers used to swim, find food and reach the surface of the water to breathe.  A few of the smaller lines were wrapped tightly around the turtle’s left front flipper, constricting blood flow. 

The fishing line was wrapped tightly around Falafel’s flipper.

During Falafel’s intake exam, our team immediately got to work evaluating the situation and were able to safely remove the fishing line from Falafel’s flipper. As soon as the tight plastic was cut off, the turtle let out a deep breath. Falafel also got their blood drawn, a CT scan and some pesky barnacles removed.   

 After examining Falafel’s affected flipper, it was noted to be severely swollen with compromised blood circulation. Our team opted to apply leech therapy to the flipper in an effort to stimulate better circulation. Yes, live medical leeches, when applied to this type of injury, can help our turtles by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow and preventing blood clots. After two leech therapy sessions and removing some dead tissue from the flipper, our team hoped the limb could be saved. However, after a couple of days, Falafel was unable to move their flipper well, more tissue death had spread throughout the appendage and test results came back positive for sepsis, a life threating infection that spreads throughout the body. Ultimately, our team decided to perform a full flipper amputation.   

Luckily, it’s well documented that sea turtles can continue to live long, healthy lives even after a flipper amputation. We’ve released plenty of turtles over the years who have lost limbs, and we hope Falafel can follow in their tracks.  

Falafel has been in good spirits since her surgery and has been eating and swimming well. 

Falafel has been moving around well with three flippers.

While we’ve enjoyed getting to know Falafel, we recognize that this turtle was in great health before accidentally becoming bound up in a cast net.  Derelict fishing gear is one of the biggest threats facing sea turtles today. Make sure to always retrieve your gear from the water and  please leave the pier, beach, or river cleaner than 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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. Do not touch the turtle, as you may do more harm than good.    

We look forward to caring for Falafel as they continue to recover. We hope to share more updates soon. 

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. 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.