Spinner is probably 35 or 40 years old, but what matters is her amazing resilience to live so long with her disability.
Happy Birthday Spinner!
What a doll and an amazing turtle she is! Spinner arrived at the sanctuary 25 years ago.
She was an adult box turtle already, but she came with a major problem. She
had been abused by youngsters who spun her around by her legs causing her to
permanently walk in a circle. This made it impossible for her to eat by
herself. Every time she went to bite food, she instead slowly spun in a
circle. Without human help, she would starve to death. One of her eyes has
atrophied, but she sees perfectly.
Spinner is part of a group of special needs turtles who live together in our
turtle hospital. Their outdoor time is in a safe large house that provides
sun and shade, but is predator proof. Spinner loves giant mealworms and
bananas, among other foods. We feed her by hand, or Marshall uses small
forceps to feed her worms.
We’re guessing she is probably 35 or 40 years old, but what matters is her
amazing resilience to live so long with her disability. We are honored to be
her caretakers.
Join us in wishing her a happy birthday!
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