“This was an interesting and shocking surprise” 😳
A few months ago, a resolute turtle named Bubbles was making her way across a bustling street in Orchard Park, New York, when tragedy struck. A passing car collided with Bubbles and sped off, leaving her injured and stranded.
Fortunately, a passing driver spotted Bubbles left on the pavement. With the help of local animal control, the driver and her sister managed to get Bubbles into the care of the experts at WNY Raptor and Wildlife Care, Inc.
At the wildlife care center, Bubbles began her recovery journey. A veterinarian carefully worked on repairing her shell, using clasps to piece it back together and providing medication to aid in the healing process.
Bernadette C., the founder of WNY Raptor and Wildlife Care, was not only dedicated to Bubbles’ recovery but also found herself charmed by the turtle’s quirky personality. She particularly enjoyed watching Bubbles’ head pop out of the trough, inquisitively observing her surroundings.
“It’s absolutely adorable,” Bernadette remarked.
Eventually, Bubbles was given the green light to explore wet, muddy areas at the shelter. One day, Bernadette observed Bubbles digging into a mud puddle. Later that day, upon checking the area, Bernadette discovered a round white egg nestled in the dirt.
Although the vets had initially thought Bubbles was male, it turned out they were mistaken. Bubbles was a female, and she was now laying eggs. “This was an unexpected and surprising development,” Bernadette remarked.
The wildlife care team isn’t sure if the eggs are fertilized. According to Bernadette, female turtles have the ability to store sperm in their reproductive tracts for extended periods, sometimes for months or even years, which allows them to fertilize eggs without needing to mate again. Bernadette remains hopeful that the eggs are viable and may eventually hatch.
“We’re keeping our fingers and toes crossed that they are fertilized and will hatch,” Bernadette added.
Regardless of what happens with the eggs, it’s clear that Bubbles will soon be strong enough to thrive on her own.
“Bubbles is progressing well towards recovery!” Bernadette said. “She has another appointment scheduled for early August, and we’re hopeful she’ll be cleared for release back into the wild. We have a perfect spot in mind—at least 60 acres of woodland surrounding a secluded pond.”