Turtle with ‘perfect golf ball impression’ in shell patched up, returned to Nags Head golf course

Published 5:47 pm Saturday, May 23, 2020

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A yellow-bellied slider is patched up and back on her home turf in Nags Head after her shell was damaged by a golf ball.

Dr. Mark Grossman with Roanoke Island Animal Clinic said the turtle received a direct hit from a golf ball on the course at Nags Head Golf Links. “They brought the turtle to us, then we treated for pain and kept [the turtle] a few days and cleaned it up and treated for infection,” said Grossman. “Then we made a plastic plug to fill the hole and covered it with steel epoxy.”

golf ball

The golf ball impression on the turtle’s shell. Courtesy Roanoke Island Animal Clinic

The veterinarian said the turtle is an adult, so he thinks the plug will stay in place for the rest of her life.

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“I’ve fixed many turtle shells over the years, but this is the first with a perfect golf ball impression,” he said.

The turtle was taken back to the golf course to be released. Grossman is hopeful they can keep an eye on her.

golf ball

The turtle with the new plug in place. Courtesy Roanoke Island Animal Clinic

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