This article was posted by CrystalWind.ca.
Canadian Animal Hospital Is Treating Injured Turtles With Promising Surgery
- Details
- Written by Amelia Kinney
South Ontario has the highest density of roads in Canada. The marshy area is also home to eight native species of turtle— seven of which are listed as ‘at risk’ by the World Wildlife Fund. Consequently, every year thousands of reptiles venture out onto the highway and are injured or killed by passing cars.
VICE interviewed Dr. Sue Carstairs from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough, South Ontario. Dr. Carstairs said the centre is currently housing nearly a thousand turtles (90% vehicle injuries) awaiting recovery and re-release into the wild. Saving the lives of these turtles is crucial since some species can’t reproduce until they are more than 20 years old.
Dr. Carstairs explained the centre has seen a huge spike in patients this year, given a wave of cool temperatures that have been ideal for the turtles to come out and move around in the open. The majority come into the centre with broken shells, which Dr. Carstairs and associates repair by inserting an orthopedic wire, which holds the shell together until it can regenerate. Because turtles are cold-blooded, their bodies take longer to heal.
There may be hope. Dr. Carstairs said a new trend in building ‘eco passages’ underneath roads provides turtles with a safe route to cross busy highways. A study published earlier this year in Wildlife Society Bulletin, “The true cost of partial fencing: Evaluating strategies to reduce reptile road mortality” showed the success of seven culverts and full fencing built for one Ontario causeway, estimating 89% fewer turtles entered the road.
Another problem facing Ontario turtles is habitat destruction caused by urban development. Currently, the centre was given 700 eggs that were under threat from a pavement development. The eggs are kept safe and warm in the centre, waiting to hatch. When the babies are big enough, they will be released into the marshlands.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
by Amelia Kinneyvia True Activist
© CrystalWind.ca 2024. All content (articles, imagery, fair use) & design protected. Written permission required for copying. All rights reserved.
Join the Conversation Now! Comment Below!
Spirit Animal Totem Of The Day!
Crystal Of The Day!
Latest Articles
The Crystal Wind Oracle
Myth & Magic Card Deck!
Details Here!
NEW Expanded
Printed & Boxed!
Now with 58 cards!
CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of
donations from people like you.
Donate Now »
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Who is Online Now
We have 17898 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
Sun in Taurus
Sun in Taurus April 21 through May 21 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristi... Read more
The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck
The Crystal Wind Oracle™ The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card D... Read more
Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing C…
Cartomancy is the act of divining using cards. Divining means to find out by... Read more
Litha - The Midsummer Solstice
The Litha festival is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches annual calend... Read more
Taurus Mythology
The Taurus Myth The Taurus myth is most often interpreted as the story of Z... Read more
Frogs Return Moon
Beaver – Chrysocolla - Blue Camas – Blue April 20 – May 20 The Frogs Retur... Read more
Litha (Midsummer) Modern Style
The season of Midsummer (also called "Litha") begins on or about June 21st i... Read more
Litha Sabbat - The Summer Solstice
Gardens are blooming, and summer is in full swing. Fire up the barbeque, turn ... Read more
The Seven Chakras and their Meanings
If you could imagine chakras as circles of energy, flowing all the way throu... Read more