Turtle Patient 233: Usha, Juvenile Hawksbill
Usha, a juvenile hawksbill, was discovered by Federica and Afeef Hussain from Barefoot Eco Resort while on a snorkelling excursion with guests at Mathifaru channel, in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The Vitals
Admission Date: 26 January 2024
Patient Number: 233
Rescue Location: Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Reason: Found weak and emaciated
Transport Method: Speedboat + Seaplane
Status: Released 11 April 2014
Species: Hawksbill
Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
Sex: Unknown
Age: Juvenile
Length: 30 cm
Weight: 2.2 kg
The Adoptive Parents
Usha has kindly been adopted by Patricia Pinto Plaza, Amanda & Clemens and by Anne Macaluso for Vincent Macaluso.
Usha’s Story
Usha is a juvenile hawksbill weighing only 2.2 kg. She was found immobile on top of a reef, appearing quite weak and thin. Despite no external injuries, Usha was very depressed and was keeping both eyes shut with the right one noticeably swollen.
Her rescuers promptly called our veterinary team for advice and helped build a box for her safe transport all the way from Haa Dhaalu to Baa Atoll. Thanks to TMA, she was able complete the long journey in a single day.
Following a comprehensive physical examination, X-rays, and blood work, it was revealed that Usha is suffering from acute kidney failure, severe anaemia, pneumonia, and an ocular infection. While the exact cause remains uncertain, Usha’s compromised immune system needs careful monitoring, and her condition remains critical. We are taking each day as it comes, focusing on Usha’s ongoing care and treatment.
11 February 2024
Usha’s condition has started to improve with medical therapy. She can now open both eyes and her kidney function is better. Usha also displays a healthy appetite, eagerly feeding from the bottom of her tank, and has started to explore her surroundings with renewed vigour.
12 March 2024
Usha is very active and is consistently feeding from the bottom of her tank. She has gained substantial weight, and with this improvement, she is notably more spirited – a welcome change from her initial lethargic demeanour upon arrival. Usha’s kidney function has normalised, and our current focus is on the ongoing treatment of her pneumonia through daily nebulisation sessions.
7 April 2024
We have taken Usha off all medical therapy now that her pneumonia has resolved and her blood work normalised. Our team will be keeping a close eye on her for the next few weeks to ensure that her health remains strong, before confirming her status as fit for release. For now, we are extremely happy with her easy appetite, active swimming and curiosity she displays throughout the day.
10 April 2024
Usha has been cleared for release and will be going home in the next few days!
11 April 2024
Usha went back home today. She was released near our house reef and took a few minutes to orient herself and then zoomed away faster than lightening!
