Rare Conjoined Turtle Twins Separated with Surgery Hours After Birth

Rare Conjoined Turtle Twins Successfully Separated Through Surgery Shortly After Birth

Two eastern box turtles defied the odds by being born as conjoined twins at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke recently. The wildlife organisation acted swiftly by performing surgery to separate the unique hatchlings only hours after their birth, ensuring their best chance of survival and health. The remarkable feat was celebrated as a significant milestone in veterinary care for wildlife species.

The uncommon occurrence was first highlighted in a heartfelt Facebook post by the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. The centre had been aiding in the hatching of three eggs laid by their rescued turtle patients when they noticed one of the eggs appeared distinct. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the egg contained conjoined twin turtles, connected by vascularised tissue at the bottom of their shells.

With expert guidance from their veterinary team and reptile specialists, the decision was made to separate the conjoined twins from their larger siblings for the initial 24 hours post-hatching. Following this crucial period, the veterinary team proceeded with a delicate operation to carefully remove the twins from their shell. The surgery involved the meticulous cutting of the vascular tissue and closure of the yolk sacs, allowing both babies to keep their yolks while ensuring a successful separation.

Weighing a mere 3 grams each, the tiny hatchlings underwent the surgery successfully, bringing relief to the dedicated team at the wildlife center. The hopeful outlook post-surgery indicated that as long as the twin turtles continued to thrive and feed in the coming weeks, they stood a good chance of being eventually released into the wild. The centre promised the twins the best possible care, aiming for the duo to catch up in size over the upcoming months.

In an update shared by the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke on September 18, it was announced that all four hatchlings, including the formerly conjoined twins, were progressing well. The hatchlings were observed displaying typical turtle behaviours in a naturalistic enclosure, where they were closely monitored for their growth and development. The executive director of the centre, Chester Leonard, expressed his excitement over the successful separation and the gratifying progress of the hatchlings, emphasising the significance of the event for their facility.

The birth of the conjoined twins serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of wildlife species like the eastern box turtle, classified as a threatened species due to factors such as pet trading and habitat loss. The challenges faced by baby turtles in reaching adulthood were underscored by the wildlife centre, citing a survival rate of less than 0.1% for this vulnerable population. With a substantial number of imperilled species under their care at any given time, the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke remains dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife biodiversity.

As the twin turtles continue their journey towards recovery and eventual release, the extraordinary tale of their separation surgery stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of conservationists and veterinary professionals. The heartwarming story serves as a beacon of hope for the conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the diverse and valuable wildlife species in our ecosystems.