Turtle Patient 196: Kandu, Juvenile Hawksbill
Kandu, a juvenile hawksbill with no apparent injuries, was found floating by a team from Coco Palm and ORP’s Rescue Centre in Baa Atoll.
The Vitals
Intake Date: 17 December 2022
Patient Number: 196
Rescue Location: Baa Atoll
Reason: Found floating
Transport Method: Dhoni
Status: Released 10 January 2023
Species: Hawksbill
Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
Sex: Unknown
Age: Juvenile
Length: 48 cm
Weight: 9.8 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Kandu has kindly been adopted for Chris by Giselle, for Anne, by Louise & Charlotte Dubois, for Eloise by Wynne, for Wilson by Paul Broadhurst, for Sophie by the Schrager Family, by Mrs. Colucci’s Class, by the Maddisons, for Jackson by Jason E Smith, for Sarah by Benedikt Dresel, for Josephine, by Nadine Richburg, Alyce Mayo, Charlotte & Grayson Fusil, for Celeste by Virginie, by Jasmine Blaney, and for Rhonda by John Kostick.
Kandu’s Story
Kandu was spotted floating by Coco Palm’s excursion guide Simaah whilst out on a snorkel trip. Luckily both the resort’s marine educator, Rosie, and our veterinary nurse, Lauren, were on hand to assist with the rescue.
They observed that Kandu was attempting to dive but floating straight back up to the surface. The decision was made to bring Kandu back to the Rescue Centre for further assessment. Kandu underwent blood tests and X-rays on arrival and received fluids and antibiotics. The X-rays showed asymmetrical lung shapes and lots of gas in the intestines. Further diagnostic tests are scheduled for later in the week.
The team is hoping that Kandu will be encouraged to eat over the next few days.
25 December 2022
Kandu is still fighting. She spends a lot of time inanimately at the surface and then dives down and tries to swim to the bottom. We haven’t been able to tempt her to eat yet. Our next plan is to do some more diagnostics with her, likely endoscope and ultrasound, and when she is sedated we’ll place a feeding tube to support her nutritionally.
1 January 2023
After a couple of weeks of medications and follow up X-rays (and a lot of pooping!) the gas in Kandu’s intestines cleared. We’re excited to announcing that we plan to release Kandu on Sunday 7th January 2023!
10 January 2023
We released Kandu from a boat today – she was so ready to ho home and dived straight down! Good luck Kandu!
