Source: CBS 17
NC State University’s Turtle Rescue Team gives hundreds of injured and sick reptiles and amphibians a second chance each year while providing Veterinary students with hands-on clinical experience. Many patients are turtles struck by vehicles, although the team treats a variety of animals found injured or ill on North Carolina roads and trails. Students administer fluids and medications, perform surgery, repair damaged shells, and use both conventional medical equipment and improvised tools such as guitar picks, zip ties, bra hooks, and even Legos.
The team also incubates viable eggs collected from female turtles, including animals that cannot be saved. Because reptiles often recover slowly, some remain in the team’s care for extended periods, allowing students to become familiar with individual behaviors and personalities. Ultimately, the goal is rehabilitation and release. Team members say returning recovered animals to the wild is the most rewarding part of their work and gives each patient another opportunity to survive.