Vader pictured with the commercial fishing line that was wrapped around him.

The Force is strong with one of our sea turtle patients! Despite a rough start, Vader the subadult green sea turtle has been thriving under our care.  

Vader, named after the notorious Star Wars villain, was found in the Indian River Lagoon struggling to swim with commercial fishing line wrapped around their throat. The line was wound so tightly that it prevented Vader from breathing properly, making their breathing sound raspy and Darth Vader-esque. Another seven pounds of discarded fishing line and rope was found dragging behind Vader, likely for a few weeks. 

After Vader’s arrival at our L3 Harris Animal Care Center, our veterinary team investigated the extent of Vader’s injuries. The team immediately removed the fishing line around the neck, but it had already caused damage. The soft skin was inflamed with lots of scar tissue and scabbing present. Internally, a CT scan revealed that the pressure from the tight fishing line caused a partial collapse of the trachea, also known as the windpipe. A scan revealed that Vader had a bout of pneumonia, as well. Vader got started right away on a course of nebulizing treatments for the pneumonia and anti-inflammatory medication for the neck swelling.  

Aside from the injuries from the fishing line, this turtle was “healthy and robust,” said Sea Turtle Healing Center Coordinator Jess Patterson.  

Vader has slowly begun to come out of their shell and interact with more of the enrichment items. Despite the rough circumstances this turtle was found in, they remained curious and calm. They’re also always ready for their next meal!  

Unfortunately, our Sea Turtle Healing Center sees many turtle patients that have been harmed by derelict fishing gear. Many patients arrive tangled in fishing line or have ingested the line, both often creating life-or-death scenarios.  

“In a lot of these cases, the turtles lose their limbs from being tangled in the line for too long or require extensive and invasive surgeries to remove the line from the GI tract,” said Jess.  

It is incredibly important that if you go fishing, everything you bring with you should be packed up and removed from the beach or pier when you head home. Even the smallest pieces of fishing equipment can pose a life-threatening risk to marine life. If you spot a turtle that has been found with any fishing line wrapped around its body, you should call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society immediately at 321-206-0646. Even cases that seem minor should still be reported, as there is a chance the turtle swallowed fishing line as well. Finally, never try to help a struggling animal yourself. Even the most well-meaning attempts can cause further harm to injured animals.  

Vader is on the mend already and will be released back into the ocean soon! We will keep you updated on how this little green is doing. 

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.