Mumbai's oldest and most popular turtle -- the hawksbill from Taraporewala aquarium -- has been out of the public eye for some time now. The 25-year-old has been recuperating after undergoing a major surgery where a tennis ball-sized tumor was removed from its forehead.
As per officials from the aquarium, it was in April 2017 that they noticed a small growth near the turtle's forehead and consulted Dr Dinesh Vinherkar, a Veterinarian who is an expert on turtles and removed the turtle from display and kept it in quarantine.
"The growth was rapidly increasing and clearly affecting its eye and it needed immediate attention. We decided to carry out a biopsy and after doing a small surgical procedure we sent samples for tests. Results confirmed that it was fibroma -- a form of cancer. Meanwhile, we had consulted Dr PR Chaudhari, senior scientific officer at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC)," said Vinherkar, adding that finally a decision was taken to remove the tumor.
The surgery was successfully carried out in January this year. "Since it was a major surgery we were worried about the turtle but it responded well to the treatment and is now absolutely healthy. He is eating and swimming without any discomfort," Vinherkar said, stating that there is a chance that the turtle may suffer a relapse. "We are keeping him under observation and as of now it will be kept in quarantine. Suggestions have been given to shift it to a bigger enclosure."
Hawksbills are named for their narrow and pointed beaks. They are a highly endangered species. This female was found and rescued by fishermen who had handed it to the aquarium officials. It was decided that it will be kept for display.
THE HAWKSBILLS
- Hawksbill turtles are named for their narrow and pointed beaks. They are a highly endangered species. This female was found and rescued by fishermen who had handed it to the aquarium officials. It was decided that it will be kept for display. It is doing well after the surgery to remove her tumour
