After Losing Two Fins In Fishing Nets, A Sea Turtle Learns To Swim Again
Despite losing two fins and overcoming several challenges, a sea turtle named Lou returned to its original home after learning to swim again.
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Center (CTRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of ill and wounded turtles in Cairns, Australia.
Members of the group learnt in 2015 that an olive ridley turtle had become trapped in fishing nets.
The volunteers from the rehabilitation facility went to the location without hesitation and agreed to take Lou in.
CTRC co-founder Jennifer Gilbert told Bored Panda:
“Lou was missing his left front fin, which he had lost when attempting to escape the net.” He was caught up by rangers and taken to Weipa before being brought to Cairns by Qantas Link, which funded his journey.
Lou was subsequently transferred to the Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital, where Dr. Rod Gilbert discovered that his right rear fin had been severely injured. She was unable to fend for herself as a result of this, so they chose to amputate her, leaving Lou with only two fins, thankfully in opposing directions.
Despite Lou’s challenging position, everyone at the treatment clinic was confident in his recovery.
Jennifer stated, ”
“There was always the possibility that he might heal and return to nature, where he belonged.” It was critical that he return as an adult guy.
Lou showed to be a genuine warrior by relearning to swim, indicating to his rescuers that he was almost ready to return to the wild. Lou’s rehabilitation was too protracted, but he was determined to get back to utilizing his fins by working out a lot.
Jennifer stated:
“Its 6-inch-long tail may be used as a rudder.” He battled for a long time to regain his balance, but after extensive rehabilitation, he was diving, feeding at the tank’s bottom, and running at fast speed if required.
After being discharged, Lou was flown back to Weipa by Qantas, which was always willing to assist. Later, they transported him to Pennefather Beach in Cape York, where they released him into the crystal blue water of the stunning location, which also served as a safe haven for him.
According to Jennifer, Lou healed fast as a result of the hard work and commitment of the organization’s volunteers who were there during her treatment. In addition to the tremendous assistance of the community and other corporations that gave what they could, not to mention Lou’s incredible battling spirit.
Jennifer stated, ”
“Everyone who met Lou fell in love with his personality right away.”
Lou was relieved to be in the sea; it took him a moment to orient himself, but he was soon diving and swimming towards his freedom.
Fortunately, the turtle is wearing a satellite tracker to track its progress in the wild, and you may follow it by activating Reef Tracks.
