Dilly Dally the Amputee Sea Turtle Defies Odds and Swims Back to the Wild

[Omaha Steve]

Dilly Dally the Amputee Sea Turtle Defies Odds and Swims Back to the Wild
June 5, 2025 Matthew Russell

On a storm-threatened morning in Juno Beach, Florida, an adolescent loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly Dally made her way back into the Atlantic Ocean. Her crawl through the sand marked the end of a harrowing medical journey that began in January, when she was found with devastating predator bite wounds.

The injuries were so severe that her right front flipper had to be amputated. But thanks to a dedicated rescue team and months of expert rehabilitation, Dilly Dally returned to the wild—albeit with three flippers instead of four.

She was discovered by Inwater Research Group near Port St. Lucie in critical condition. After being stabilized, Dilly Dally was transferred to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, where veterinarians initiated immediate care, including antibiotics, wound treatment, and nutrition to restore her strength, WPBF reports. At intake, she was underweight and immobile. Now, she’s back to a healthy 156 pounds and ready for the open ocean.

Living With Three Flippers

Sea turtles rely heavily on their front flippers for swimming. Losing one would be a life-ending injury in the wild. But Dilly Dally adapted in captivity, learning to maneuver with three limbs. Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff monitored her progress for five months, eventually determining she could survive independently.

FULL story: https://greatergood.com/blogs/news/dilly-dally-sea-turtle

[riversedge]

1. That is a beautiful story. I am glad Dilly Dally had people to care for her/him.

[maccafan]

2. A feel good story

We need more of these stories! It made me smile to hear that there are people that care enough to save our wildlife!