In the heart of Florida, a remarkable story of rescue and recovery is unfolding. A female loggerhead sea turtle, affectionately named Sophia, is making strides towards healing after a harrowing ordeal. Weighing approximately 140 pounds, Sophia was found stranded in the Indian River Lagoon in May, her condition critical and her spirit fighting for survival.
The journey to Sophia’s recovery began when she arrived at the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo. Her injuries were severe: multiple fractures to her carapace or upper shell, and a fishing line with a hook protruding from her mouth. But the true extent of her suffering was yet to be revealed.
The Discovery of Internal Injuries
During Sophia’s initial examination, the rehabilitation team worked diligently to clean and treat her external wounds. However, it was the internal injuries that presented the most alarming challenge. A CT scan and endoscopy revealed a shocking discovery: approximately 18 additional fishing hooks lodged throughout Sophia’s digestive tract.
Veterinarians were able to remove two of the hooks immediately. However, many others were deeply embedded, beyond the reach of the specialized equipment available at the zoo. This is where the power of collaboration came into play.
A Partnership for Advanced Care
Recognizing the need for advanced medical intervention, Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital stepped in to provide critical support. The hospital offered advanced medical equipment and partnered with the zoo’s veterinary team to perform a specialized, minimally invasive procedure. This collaboration brought together the expertise of the zoo’s board-certified veterinarians and Orlando Health physicians experienced in gastroenterology.
During the procedure, Dr. George Christophi a gastroenterologist at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, successfully removed another hook from Sophia’s esophagus. This successful intervention marked a significant milestone in Sophia’s recovery journey.
The Road to Recovery and Release
Today, Sophia is in stable condition and continues to receive supportive care as she recovers. A follow-up CT scan showed that the remaining hooks had moved into her small intestines where they are no longer accessible using an endoscope. Fortunately, veterinarians assure that the hooks are not causing any intestinal blockage and there is no evidence of additional complications from the fishing line.
Given the risks associated with another invasive procedure, Sophia’s care team has decided to continue monitoring her closely. Their ultimate goal is to return her to the wild, a testament to the resilience of both Sophia and the dedicated professionals working to save her.
Estimated to be nearly 40 years old, Sophia plays a vital role in Florida’s marine ecosystem. Loggerhead sea turtles like Sophia help maintain healthy ocean habitats by controlling prey populations, including crabs, and contributing to the future of their species through reproduction.
Brevard Zoo has expressed its gratitude to Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital for its support and collaboration. This partnership ensures that sea turtle patients and zoo animal residents continue to receive advanced medical care. As Sophia’s recovery progresses, zoo officials hope to release her back into the Atlantic Ocean in the coming months. Updates on her rehabilitation and eventual release will be shared through Brevard Zoo’s social media channels and blog.
