The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has admitted 42 wildlife patients this past week. Some admissions include two gopher tortoises and multiple animals admitted due to glue traps.
Tortoises Admitted with Spray Paint on their Carapace
The wildlife hospital staff received two gopher tortoises that were spray-painted. The first gopher tortoise was admitted after the rescuer was looking outside her window and noticed a bright blue and pink object walking around her yard.
She looked to see what it was and noticed it was a tortoise that had unfortunately been spray painted. She immediately called the wildlife hospital to see what to do next because she was unsure of what type of turtle it was or if it was even in the right location. After talking with a staff member and sending photos, it was determined that it was a gopher tortoise and that he needed to come in to have the paint removed. Because she could not bring to tortoise to us right away, we instructed her to keep the animal in a warm, dark and quiet place in her room for the night. A hospital volunteer picked up the tortoise the following day.
Once admitted, it was noted by the staff vet that there were no apparent injuries and the tortoise was in good health. However, there was one slight issue which was he had a thick layer of spray paint on his carapace, top of head and back right limb. Hospital staff started a protocol to remove the paint. Due to the amount of paint on the tortoise, this could be long process with removing small sections of the paint throughout the week. Paint on any turtle shell is problematic because the carapace is bone, which is living tissue.
By covering the carapace with paint, it affects the turtle from absorbing UV light, which can deform the shell along with being absorbed into the bloodstream. There is also the chance for a respiratory infection because of how strong paint smells and there is a high chance that the paint that was used was sprayed onto the tortoise. This means that the tortoise was inhaling the paint fumes.
However, this is not where the story ends.
The following week, the same rescuer called after she found another gopher tortoise across the street painted gold and pink. She knew exactly what to do and brought the tortoise in so that staff could start the process of removing the paint. Currently, both tortoises are living together in the reptile room and receiving care from our staff members. We are monitoring daily for respiratory infections and slowly removing the paint.
Glue Traps Harm Wildlife
In addition, the wildlife hospital received 7 animals stuck to glue traps such as a black racer and a palm warbler. All rescuers did the right thing by calling the wildlife hospital and bringing them in immediately. It is important to note that all rescuers did not try to remove the animal from the trap by themselves. Instead, they placed the glue trap in a box, got here as soon as possible so that staff could assess the situation, and remove them appropriately.
When it comes to wildlife, the stress alone can kill them so here at the wildlife hospital we try to limit that. Therefore, by bringing the animal to the wildlife hospital, staff is able to provide the proper sedation so that the animal can be removed from the glue trap stress free with little to no injuries and they can recover at the wildlife hospital.
If you find an animal stuck to a glue trap, please put the glue trap and the animal that is stuck on the trap in a box with a lid and air holes. By having the animal covered this helps alleviate the stress and makes them feel less vulnerable and will hopefully stop them from struggling to free themselves. Once in a box, please bring them to your nearest wildlife hospital. From there, trained professionals will be able to help the animal.
The month of November is the month of awareness and giving but more specifically November 28 is world compassion day. Here in southwest Florida, we are surrounded by wildlife and one thing you can do daily is practice compassion for our local wildlife.
Whether it is respecting wildlife such as giving them their space and not painting them, removing your glue traps, or slowing down for wildlife. All of these little things give wildlife a chance to thrive in southwest Florida and not be impacted by human causes.
Another way to help wildlife is by giving. The wildlife hospital receives around 4,200 animals a year and by donating, you are helping our mission, which is to save injured and orphaned native wildlife.
Recent Releases
The von Arx Wildlife Hospital released 21 wildlife patients back to the wild this past week. Some animals included an American redstart, great horned owl, swainson’s thrush and double-crested cormorant.
Opportunities to Help
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is always looking for volunteers and extra help. Whether it is volunteering in the wildlife hospital, our Nature Center or other areas on our campus, we count on and appreciate our volunteers to help us continue our mission to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future. Please see our website for more information.
Upcoming Events and Nature Center News
Nature in November is here! We are offering free admission to our Nature Center every Saturday in November. Please join us every Saturday to experience our boat rides down Gordon River, step inside our Dalton Discovery Center, and watch select films in our Eaton Conservation Hall.
Lauren Barkley is the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102. Call 239-262-2273 for wildlife assistance or see conservancy.org.