Partially Paralyzed Sea Turtle Perseveres Despite Challenges

When it comes to courage, Charlotte the Sea Turtle has got it in spades. She also has a little something called a bubble butt but she doesn’t let it get her down.

If anything, bubble butt elevates a turtle, but not in a good way.

“Charlotte was struck by a boat propeller, which caused partial paralysis of her lower digestive tract and hind flippers, which causes her to float with her rear end up, a condition known as ‘bubble butt’,” according to a press release from the Mystic Aquarium.

The sea turtle was found stranded near Jekyll Island in Georgia. Thankfully, she was found by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff, who cared for her before releasing her to Mystic Aquarium staff for additional care.

Charlotte can’t care for herself in the wild, but at Mystic Aquarium, she’s found success as an animal ambassador. She has her very own book, “Bubble Butt, The Challenged Sea Turtle of Mystic Aquarium.” The book teaches children and adults the importance of perseverance, overcoming challenges, creating a happy life and caring for the ocean.

As she grows older, she continues to overcome challenges but sometimes needs help from those around her. Charlotte’s caretakers and the veterinary team at the aquarium had custom pouches made for her that stabilize her swimming. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center assisted with the development of the pouches.

The neoprene pouches hold weights that allow Charlotte to swim in a more natural posture.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF CHARLOTTE SWIMMING.

“The pouches resemble envelopes that attach to either side of her back via Velcro epoxied directly onto her shell,” according to the press release. “Each pouch will hold weights of different sizes to provide ballast, which in turn will help her with normal muscle development as she continues to grow into her full adult size.”

Charlotte’s caretakers hope you will come and visit her and cheer her on.

“Charlotte faces a new challenge, but with the help of her caretakers and the veterinary team she will get the help she needs to continue to grow and survive,” the press release noted. “Come to the aquarium and show Charlotte your support while she embarks on another adventure, which is sure to inspire her many fans once again.”

Visit the Mystic Aquarium website for additional information.

(Photo Info: Mystic Aquarium staff help keep Charlotte the sea turtle calm. Credit: Mystic Aquarium)