In the I&J Ocean Exhibit, visitors can witness the remarkable rehabilitation journey of Kai, a young loggerhead turtle. Despite his shyness, Kai never fails to captivate visitors with his unique coloration and striking eyes.
Kai’s rehabilitation journey began when he was rescued as a tiny hatchling in October 2020, weighing only 100 grams. Thanks to the dedicated care of the Turtle Conservation Centre, Kai has grown impressively, now weighing around 30 kilograms.
Upon his arrival, the veterinary team discovered an issue with Kai’s buoyancy. Diagnostic imaging tests revealed that Kai had disproportionate lung lobes and a severe infection in his left lung. The team performed a bronchoalveolar lavage procedure to combat the infection, and Kai made a significant recovery.
However, Kai’s left lung remained smaller than the right, leading to an unbalanced and stressed state. To address this, the turtle team designed ballast weights made of steel putty to be strategically attached to Kai’s shell. Kai underwent pulmonary physiotherapy and swimming exercises to improve his fitness.
Recently, Kai’s buoyancy experienced instability, prompting further interventions. The team added weights to his right side, using an upcycled scuba weight attached using epoxy and anchor points. This minimally invasive approach reduces handling and stress, ensuring Kai’s comfort throughout the process.
The team will monitor Kai’s swimming patterns and the impact of the added weight on his buoyancy in the coming weeks. They aim to alleviate pressure on his right lung, allowing both lungs to stabilize. The weights will be fine-tuned as needed to ensure Kai receives the best possible care.
Visitors to the exhibit can observe adjustments to Kai’s added weight over the next few months. With his newfound strength and determination, the team remains hopeful that Kai will eventually achieve balance without additional help. This critical milestone will mark the next step in Kai’s rehabilitation, empowering him to grow even stronger and healthier.
Kai’s rehabilitation journey serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the turtle team and their partners in safeguarding these majestic creatures’ well-being.
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