A sea turtle was left fighting for life after she was found with a 3ft spear impaled in her neck.
The wounded sub-adult green sea turtle named Splinter was found tangled in a trapline on Carysfort Reef off of Key Largo on Saturday.
The animal, who weighs 150lbs, was admitted to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, where she underwent emergency surgery by Veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader to remove the object.
X-rays before the operation showed the sharp rod sticking deep into the reptile’s stomach underneath her shell, spanning over half her body.
‘No words for this horrific act,’ said the non-profit Turtle Hospital in a post on Facebook.
A sea turtle was left fighting for life after it was found with a 3ft spear impaled in its neck
The wounded sub-adult green sea turtle named Splinter was found tangled in a trapline on Carysfort Reef off of Key Largo on Saturday
The animal was admitted to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida , where she underwent emergency surgery by Veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader to remove the object
X-rays before the operation showed the sharp rod sticking deep into the animal’s stomach underneath her shell
A spokesperson for the Turtle Hospital told MailOnline they believe Splinter is a female turtle. ‘She is most likely a female. Splinter is a sub-adult green sea turtle. Male sea turtles grow a long tail when they reach adulthood.’
The spear has been saved as evidence of the crime and authorities are investigating to find out who is responsible.
The Turtle Hospital’s chairman of the board, Richie Moretti, is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information which could lead to an arrest.
According to the hospital, this marks the second sea turtle found impaled with a spear in Florida this summer.
The first was a dead sea turtle recovered in Biscayne National Park with a spear in its head in June.
All species of sea turtles in and around the United States are protected by the US Endangered Species Act of 1973 and it is a felony to touch or harm a sea turtle.
Splinter has since undergone the operation and is recovering in hospital. A photo uploaded online shows the turtle in bandages, with the spear removed.
A sea turtle was left fighting for life after it was found with a 3ft spear impaled in its neck
Splinter has since undergone operation and is recovering in hospital. A photo uploaded online shows the turtle in bandages, with the spear removed
One day after surgery, the sub-adult sea turtle was able to take to water again in a small pool at the hospital. She remains in a stable but guarded condition.
Splinter received much support and well-wishes online, with one person writing: ‘That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy Splinter is feeding better. God bless all the wonderful people for all you do to help save all these beautiful Sea turtles.’
According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered
The spear has been saved as evidence of the crime and authorities are investigating to find out who is responsible
The Turtle Hospital’s chairman of the board, Richie Moretti, is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information which could lead to an arrest
According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered.
‘Human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of these ancient mariners,’ the WWF said.
‘Slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation.
‘They also face habitat destruction and accidental capture in fishing gear.’