Record-Breaking Giant Turtle in Northern Cyprus Swallowed Plastic

In Northern Cyprus, veterinarians have made significant progress in treating a 90-kilogram record-breaking green sea turtle. Various plastic items were found inside her.

According to the Tashkent Nature Park, the 90-kilogram green turtle was recently found washed up on the rocks. Weak and exhausted, she was brought to the treatment center. While minor wounds were found on her body, the main issue was something else.

“Although X-rays provided limited information due to the turtle's thick shell, our specialists identified foreign objects blocking her digestive system and immediately started treatment,” the center stated.

Additionally, doctors discovered a subcutaneous infection in the turtle. For a long time, the treatment did not yield significant results. However, the turtle defecated in the rehabilitation tank, and plastic materials were found in her feces.

After five weeks, the treatment began to show positive results. The turtle’s weight increased to 97 kilograms. According to the doctors, this is a promising sign that indicates the turtle is on the mend.

“Such cases highlight the issue of plastic pollution affecting our seas and reveal the devastating impact this problem has on marine life. Sea turtles can mistake plastic bags and other discarded waste for food, which can have fatal consequences,” the nature park’s statement read.

For context, the 90-kilogram giant turtle began treatment at the Tashkent Nature Park in mid-July. It is the largest specimen of its species ever encountered by local wildlife protectors. Typically, their weight does not exceed 50-60 kg.

Veterinarians hope that after completing the rehabilitation process, the green turtle will be able to return to its natural habitat.