Ossy

Ossy (RB.LO.037) juvenile Olive Ridley turtle, admitted 22-Aug-13

Ossy was found on 22 August 2013, in a ghost net close to the island of Madhirivaadhoo (Baa Atoll) – a 55cm juvenile Olive Ridley turtle, missing the front left flipper due to entanglement in a huge ghost net. The wound was cleaned and treated; initially Ossy was not feeding so needed to be force-fed.

Ossy regained an appetite and increased in strength; the amputated flipper healed well and efforts are being made at diving. Unfortunately the floatation syndrome seems to have worsened, making it difficult to dive down for food.

Ossy continues to suffer from a severe flotation problem but is otherwise in good health – eating well, no signs of injury or infection and exhibiting normal behaviour in our rehabilitation pool. We are unsure of the chances of survival in the wild, so we are currently pursuing the ideal solution – rehousing to an (overseas) aquarium or marine centre.

As part of our research into turtle buoyancy syndrome, we are trialling a new technique with scientific data software package “Image J”. This enables us to record the above-water surface area of a turtle’s carapace, to provide a consistent measure of buoyancy status. We can then quantitatively assess the effectiveness of our air tapping treatments and monitor results over time.
This method is being used for Ossy, to specifically assess the effects of our air tapping treatment, where we aspirate gas from their coelomic cavity.

We are increasing daily activity by encouraging swimming and diving during feedings, and Ossy continues to be very energetic and has a good appetite. We plan to start using a weight belt across the carapace to determine the amount of weight needed to make Ossy neutrally buoyant. Although this is not a permanent solution, it will help determine the chances for release. (Keep scrolling down for more updates).

August 2016 – It has now been more than two months since Ossy’s first ‘miracle dive’ in June, so we are placing most of her food on the bottom of the tank to encourage her to dive even more. After three years stuck floating at the surface in our recovery pools, it was understandable that Ossy was initially hesitant to dive during the day time (every morning we would notice all her food had been eaten). She is now diving regularly and we can observe her more often swimming on the pool bottom during the day.

September 2016 – Ossy is unable to dive straight down, but with the additional space (following the Flying Turtles departure) she can now take a “running start” she is able to pull herself under the water’s surface. In addition to the extra space, new Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs) were given to the turtles to provide additional stimulation and improve their environment. Enrichment with EEDs and a variety of foods plays a vital role in keeping our turtles healthy, both mentally and physically.