Daisy — the loggerhead turtle that has been residing at the Bermuda Museum, Aquarium & Zoo since she underwent life-saving surgery to remove a rusting hook in her throat three months ago — has had her stitches removed and it is hoped she can be released back into the wild in late spring/early summer.

“In addition to all of her routine monthly checks, such as weighing her, taking measurements and blood samples, Dr. Ian Walker was present to finally remove the stitches from her surgery,” the Bermuda Zoological Society said.

“Although 3 months may seem like a long time to have stitches, they were only just removed because reptiles have tough skin and it therefore takes much longer for their wounds to heal.

“We can report that, on average, Daisy is eating about 4 pounds of fish a day and has gained approximately 30 pounds, which is a very good amount. We are hoping to release her back into the wild in late spring/early summer.

The photos below are courtesy of Michelle Smith of the Bermuda Zoological Society

Dr. Walker removing the stitches

Checking the status of the healing would

Preparing Daisy to be weighed

Aquarist, Choy Aming, taking measurements

Daisy being weighed

Taking more measurements

Aquarists, Choy Aming and Ryan Tacklion, and Curator, Patrick Talbot,
making sure Daisy is comfortable before being weighed

As Daisy is prepped to have a blood sample taken, her back flippers are examined

Animal Care and Quarantine Manager, Roma Hayward, takes a sample of Daisy's blood