'Deformed' Turtle That Looks Like A Duck Gets 2nd Chance At Life At 70

JAMESPORT, NY — A deformed turtle, who looked very much like a duck, was recently given a new lease at life — at 70 years old — in Jamesport.

According to the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons in Jamesport, on July 10, a family from New York City brought the "beloved pet of their recently deceased grandmother" to Turtle Manor, the medical hospital of Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, TROTH representatives said.

Bubbles, who is affectionately known as "Mr. Bubbles," is a 70-year-old Eastern Box turtle that was purchased by their grandmother when she was a child.

"Unfortunately, in 1954, which was the date she acquired her lifelong companion, no one really knew how to care for native turtles and Bubbles lived on a diet that was not nutritionally appropriate for him. As a result, he developed physical deformities, including a beak that made him look more like a duck," TROTH said.

When Bubbles arrived at the rescue facility, he was unable to eat, drink or walk on his own, TROTH said. His eyes were white instead of the normal red associated with his species, which was due to a severe anemic condition.

The medical staff at TROTH began immediate treatment, trimming his beak and nails, which had grown into his flesh.

Bubbles was given intravenous medications and vitamin and calcium infusions weekly to correct his nutritional deficiency, as well as physical therapy to work on developing muscles that had never been used, TROTH said.

"The staff at TROTH are proud to say that nearly three months later, Bubbles is not only no longer in pain but is eating and drinking on his own," representatives said. "With daily physical therapy he is regaining some use of his appendages and there is a good chance he will one day walk unassisted."

In the meantime, staffers said, Bubbles is receiving the care and attention, "along with a whole lot of love", from the staff. He will never be able to return to his home in the wild, but is guaranteed a forever home at TROTH, an organization that has spent the past 12 years rescuing and rehabilitating injured and sick native turtles on Long Island.

There are currently more than 200 injured native turtles in residence in the 1-acre sanctuary, many who are unable to return to the wild due to the severity of their injuries. The majority were found on the side of the road after being hit by cars, others were the victims of boat accidents, lawn mowers or pesticides.

"At Turtle Manor we treat all of them," said Karen Testa, executive director of TROTH. “It is illegal to take a native turtle from the wild. If you find one, don’t take it home if it is healthy. If it is injured, call or bring it to us. That is the first step to helping our wildlife stay wild."

For those most severe turtles who make their permanent residence at Turtle Manor, donations are always welcomed.

"We are the only turtle hospital on Long Island and because we do not receive government funding, we are solely dependent on private donations," TROTH said.