05/28/2026
She may only have only one eye, and her beak is not as perfect as it once was, but she can eat, she can walk, she can swim and submerge, and she was ready to go!
Found last June 2025, with life threatening injuries, her beak was realigned and stabilized with wire, her proptosed eye was removed and stitched, and a feeding tube was placed at Ark Veterinary Hospital in Utica, Mi. She was also given antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and regular tube feedings for support while she healed. She went in for several check ups, and thankfully despite the head injury, she managed to survive without neurological issues inhibiting her ability to survive back in the wild.
From a human perspective the area she was found was not perfect, and did not come without worry, but we managed to find a wetland on the same side of the road to where she was found, away from the busy road, that made us feel good about letting her back go. Of course, she knows her area, and Blandingās turtles wander on land frequently, and have a mental map of the wetlands that frequently travel between, so we need to be content knowing sheās been given a second chance. She can do what she wants to in this area where she is familiar, but has likely changed much since she first hatched. We just hope she stays out of trouble.
A year of care, expenses, a lot of overthinking the best spot to release her, a lot of mosquito bites, and a trek up and down the railroad to find access to the āperfectā spot was definitely worth it. We have done our part.
Thank you to all who help look out for turtles, and have helped donate towards their care.
