Simon Jones
Published Apr 13, 2016 at 8:00 am (Updated Apr 13, 2016 at 7:25 am)

Loggerhead turtle Daisy could be released to the wild later this spring after having
her stitches removed. Photos by Michelle Smith, Bermuda Zoological Society

A loggerhead turtle that underwent life-saving surgery to have a rusting hook removed from her throat could be released to the wild later this spring.

The turtle, who was named Daisy by the hospital surgeons responsible for saving her life, has continued to recover well in a tank at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo since the operation at the beginning of the year.

The latest stage in her recovery involved the stitches from the surgery being removed last week.

Ian Walker, BAMZ curator, told The Royal Gazette that the loggerhead turtle was now eating well and could be released back to the wild later this spring or in early summer.

“In addition to all of her routine monthly checks, such as weighing her, taking measurements and blood samples, we were finally able to remove the stitches from her surgery last Thursday,” Dr Walker said. “Although three 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 four 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 or early summer.”