Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/sea-turtle-loses-two-flippers/
The Daily Mail had some fun and encouraging news to report. It seems as if an endangered sea turtle is going viral on social media for all the right reasons. Even though the turtle lost two of its flippers, it is learning to swim again.
According to the news outlet, the animal is Lou, an Olive Ridley Turtle. He got caught in a fishing net and lost his front left flipper and back right flipper after each of them had to be amputated by a veterinarian. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre then stepped in to help. That nonprofit rescue organization is based off of the coast of Queensland, Australia, on Fitzroy Island.
It took five years to fully rehabilitate Lou but he was eventually able to use his tail as a rudder. After being able to swim again, he was released into the ocean.
A Facebook post on October 26 from the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre showed pictures of the rehabilitated turtle being taken out to sea by a boat.
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“Lou has left the building, and had begun his long journey back home to his waters up the Cape. Flying out tomorrow yay ! see ya later Fitzroy! [sic],” it said.
They shared more pictures on the next day of the loop being released, saying: “Lou after a long journey by plane and 4 wheel drive was released on the Cape this morning. It was a wonderful release and huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible. You’ve got this Lou!”
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre’s cofounder, Jennie Gilbert, had the following to say, according to DailyMail:
“It took him a while but once he got going, he was moving at great speed. It’s a great show of determination and resilience.
The cute thing was there was a smaller turtle who took a peek at Lou. It was almost like the small one saying, ‘welcome back to country.’”
Social media was full of comments on people excited about what was happening. One of those comments was: “Wonderful. Looks like he couldn’t get out quick enough. So much bigger then his ‘healing’ tank. Take a bow for your wonderful work in getting Lou back to his home. [sic]”
Someone else said: “Don’t be nervous Lou. Go and explore. Onie will be looking after you. Bon voyage and happy travels old mate! [sic]”
Lou has already traveled 289 KM. You can track his progress through the ocean live here.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
