Sea turtle wounded by shotgun fire being treated at SeaWorld in San Diego
A 250-pound green sea turtle wounded by shotgun fire is being treated at SeaWorld in San Diego. The turtle was near death when found in the marshlands of San Diego Bay and rushed to the park.
Dubbed Bruce, the turtle has been roaming in the San Diego Bay for several years, monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A check on Jan. 25 found the turtle dehydrated and underweight, with deep lacerations to its tail and flipper.
Taken to SeaWorld for emergency care, X-rays found shotgun pellets lodged in its neck and throat. Bruce, part of a species rarely seen in the San Diego Bay, is thought to be at least 50 years old.
SeaWorld veterinarians hope that Bruce will be well enough to be released into the bay by summer. Despite his age, Bruce is thought to be spry enough to take part in breeding.
On Saturday, as the park was being picketed by protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals alleging that SeaWorld mistreats animals, park officials pointed to the treatment of Bruce as a sign of SeaWorld's commitment to the well-being of sea creatures.
"The allegations of the protesters are, as always, baseless and utterly false," said a park spokesman. "There is no organization more passionately committed to the physical, mental and social care and well-being of animals than SeaWorld."
-- Tony Perry in San Diego
Photo: Bruce, the ailing green sea turtle being treated at SeaWorld in San Diego. Credit: SeaWorld San Diego
EDITOR'S PICKS:
What the hell is wrong with people? How is shooting at a harmless and defenceless constitute fun?
Posted by: Jack | February 06, 2011 at 10:26 AM
You may want to visit the COMMENTS page for those buying pellet rifles and pistols; OPENLY BRAGGING about killing birds, and other life, just for the PLEASURE, of boasting about blatant KILLING. TOO many sick, demented, warped, twisted degenerates out there....no, not Congress, THIS TIME, just some of the creeps ALLOWED to buy guns, even pellet guns!
Posted by: Robert NO longer in LA | February 06, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Who the hell shoots a sea turtle? Must have been the only way he could feel like a real man. How pathetic.
Posted by: Lee B. | February 06, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Speedy recovery bud!!
Were pulling for you.
Posted by: shadowpark | February 06, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Whomever shot that turtle must be a gun enthusiast.
Posted by: phoenixandrew | February 06, 2011 at 11:02 PM
when and if they catch the idiot who did this I hope he gets what he gave
Posted by: u know | February 07, 2011 at 02:47 PM