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VulcanRider · 02-25-2009, 06:51 PM

Turtle to get artificial flippers after shark attack

A Japanese conservation group says it plans to fit prosthetic front limbs to a sea turtle injured in what marine scientists believe was a shark attack.

"We need to pay special attention as the forelimbs will have to be strong enough to [allow her] to climb up a beach," Erika Akai, a researcher at the non-profit Sea Turtle Association of Japan said.

"She should eventually be able to lay eggs on a beach."

The injured loggerhead turtle, with a 74-centimetre long shell, was named Yu after being rescued off south-western Japan following a suspected shark attack last summer, Ms Akai said.

The animal was placed in an aquarium in western Tokushima prefecture.

"Since we cannot release her like this, because her swimming capability is only at 60 per cent of that of a healthy turtle, we decided to make prosthetic fins for her," said Ms Akai, adding that the project would start in May.

The association has set up a fund and asked Japan's largest prosthetic limb maker in western Osaka prefecture to make the artificial fins.

"We are fully aware that it will be a difficult challenge," said a spokeswoman for the company, Kawamura Gishi Co.

"But we were moved by the passion of the association and decided to take part in the project."
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We use animals for medical research, it's kinda nice to see us helping them...

02-25-2009, 06:51 PM	#3
VulcanRider Lord Soth Join Date: July 25, 2002 Location: Melbourne FL Age: 59 Posts: 1,971	Re: Feelgood News, March 09 Turtle to get artificial flippers after shark attack A Japanese conservation group says it plans to fit prosthetic front limbs to a sea turtle injured in what marine scientists believe was a shark attack. "We need to pay special attention as the forelimbs will have to be strong enough to [allow her] to climb up a beach," Erika Akai, a researcher at the non-profit Sea Turtle Association of Japan said. "She should eventually be able to lay eggs on a beach." The injured loggerhead turtle, with a 74-centimetre long shell, was named Yu after being rescued off south-western Japan following a suspected shark attack last summer, Ms Akai said. The animal was placed in an aquarium in western Tokushima prefecture. "Since we cannot release her like this, because her swimming capability is only at 60 per cent of that of a healthy turtle, we decided to make prosthetic fins for her," said Ms Akai, adding that the project would start in May. The association has set up a fund and asked Japan's largest prosthetic limb maker in western Osaka prefecture to make the artificial fins. "We are fully aware that it will be a difficult challenge," said a spokeswoman for the company, Kawamura Gishi Co. "But we were moved by the passion of the association and decided to take part in the project." ------------------------------------------- We use animals for medical research, it's kinda nice to see us helping them... __________________ ----- Help feed animals in shelters with just a mouse click at The Animal Rescue Site !!