03/09/2026
Imagine being desperately hungry, knowing you need food to survive, but being physically unable to take even one bite.
That was the reality for this little Meso-American Slider. She was reported injured in Los Tambos Village, Cayo, and when she arrived at our clinic, she was incredibly lethargic. Her lower jaw had been badly torn open, leaving her unable to chew or eat.
Her body was weakening.
Her wound was severe.
And without food, her chances of surviving were getting smaller.
For days, we assist-fed her, giving her the nourishment she needed to regain a little strength. Once she was strong enough, we placed her under anesthesia and began the delicate work of repairing what had been so badly damaged.
The injury was more complicated than it first appeared. Part of her jaw bone had to be carefully sawed so that the compromised tissue could be repositioned and the skin secured back where it belonged.
Today, she has a feeding tube placed directly into her esophagus.
She cannot eat on her own yet.
So for now, every meal has to be given to her. Every day, her wounds must be monitored.
Her recovery will not happen overnight. There is still a long road ahead, but we are going to give her every chance we possibly can.
Because to some, she may simply be a turtle.
To us, she is a life worth saving.
And she deserves the chance to heal, to grow stronger, and one day, hopefully, return to the wild where she belongs.
We will continue to share her journey with you.
If you believe every wild life deserves a second chance, please help us continue being there when they need us most.
Your support helps provide medication, medical supplies, food, surgery, rehabilitation, and the countless hours of care that injured wildlife need to survive.
Click the link below to help us save more lives.
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