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Turtle Recovers From Shark Attack With Prosthetic Fins
A sea turtle who lost its front fins in an apparent shark attack is getting an artificial upgrade.
Hu, a 25-year-old female loggerhead, was discovered by fishermen in mid-2008 when they accidentally pulled her up in their fishing nets. After noticing the creature was missing large portions of its two front fins, presumably from an assailment, the fishermen turned it into the Suma Aqualife Park in Kobe, Japan.
Since Hu's arrival, the aquarium's researchers have experimented with 27 pairs of artificial limbs in an attempt to aid the injured animal. Finally, they say, they've found the right fit.
The most recent development is comprised of two rubber fins, held together by a slip-over vest to prevent Hu from breaking free. The aquarium's staff say the fins have helped Hu swim just as easily as before the accident — a pretty remarkable feat, considering the turtle's 32-inch long shell and 220-pound body
A sea turtle who lost its front fins in an apparent shark attack is getting an artificial upgrade.
Hu, a 25-year-old female loggerhead, was discovered by fishermen in mid-2008 when they accidentally pulled her up in their fishing nets. After noticing the creature was missing large portions of its two front fins, presumably from an assailment, the fishermen turned it into the Suma Aqualife Park in Kobe, Japan.
Since Hu's arrival, the aquarium's researchers have experimented with 27 pairs of artificial limbs in an attempt to aid the injured animal. Finally, they say, they've found the right fit.
The most recent development is comprised of two rubber fins, held together by a slip-over vest to prevent Hu from breaking free. The aquarium's staff say the fins have helped Hu swim just as easily as before the accident — a pretty remarkable feat, considering the turtle's 32-inch long shell and 220-pound body
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