A pregnant Flapshell turtle was rescued in Mumbai`s Dahisar and saved after undergoing a complex emergency surgery to remove a fishing hook lodged deep inside its oesophagus.
The turtle, found in a critical condition after falling from a truck on a busy road in Dahisar, was rescued by an auto driver who handed it over to the Forest Department. Officials later transferred it to Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) for treatment and rehabilitation.
Veterinarians Dr Priti Sathe and Dr Kirti Sathe from Himi’s Bark Veterinary Clinic, who are also associated with RAWW, successfully performed the delicate surgery to remove one hook from its throat. Another hook was extracted from one of its flippers.
X-rays taken during treatment revealed that the turtle was carrying five eggs. It is now stable and under constant observation by a team of wildlife rehabilitators from RAWW.
Wildlife rescuers praised the quick action of the auto driver and the timely medical response that helped save both the turtle and its unborn eggs.
