Treating Sea Turtles with Honey and Beeswax

photo from The George Sea Turtle Center
photo from The George Sea Turtle Center

Injured and sick sea turtles are receiving help at rescue and rehabilitation centers. Surprisingly, one of the best helpers for healing an injured turtle is honey! If an injurged turtle has lost part of its shell, veterinarians may patch it by applying honey and beeswax to the exposed tissue. Honey contains enzymes that help slough off dead tissue, and acts as an antibacterial agent to fight off infections. Honey can also be a source of energy for the hungry or starving turtles. It might not be what they eat in the ocean but it can give them a much needed boost of enegy.

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