Chip 
female Olive Ridley turtle (RB.LO.160), admitted 11 March 2019, Milaidhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Weight / Length: 14.4kg / 50.6cm (upon admission);
Chip, a female Olive Ridley turtle, was found floating by the dive team at Milaidhoo resort (Baa Atoll). Both her shell and head were covered in a thick layer of algae. It is difficult to know what caused the injuries to her head, however they are superficial and healing well.
Unfortunately Chip is very buoyant and is unable to dive for her food, so she is currently being hand fed. Buoyancy problems can be caused by a number of factors, including ingestion of plastic or trapped air in the gastrointestinal tract, from lung infections or spinal injuries.
![Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]](https://marinesavers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Chip-female-olive-ridley-turtle-Maldives-RB.LO_.160-pool.jpg "Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]")
![Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]](https://marinesavers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Chip-female-olive-ridley-turtle-Maldives-RB.LO_.160-vip.jpg "Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]")
![Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]](https://marinesavers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Chip-female-olive-ridley-turtle-Maldives-RB.LO_.160-2.jpg "Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]")
![Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]](https://marinesavers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Chip-female-olive-ridley-turtle-Maldives-RB.LO_.160-cleaned-2.jpg "Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]")
![Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]](https://marinesavers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Chip-female-olive-ridley-turtle-Maldives-RB.LO_.160-head.jpg "Rescued olive ridley turtle 'Thakuru' [RB.LO.116]")
April 2019 Update
Sadly, Chip was found unresponsive, floating in her pool on 3 April. She had been refusing food for the entirety of her time with us.
Cause of death was uncertain. The necropsy revealed no blockages in the esophagus or intestines, and all major organs appeared healthy. The underlying cause of her buoyancy issues may have contributed to her passing.
