A few months back, a determined turtle named Bubbles was slowly ambling across a busy street in Orchard Park, New York, when disaster struck. A car hit Bubbles and drove away, leaving the turtle injured and vulnerable.
Safe at the wildlife care center, Bubbles received necessary treatment and slowly recuperated. A veterinarian began the slow process of repairing Bubbles’ shell, using clasps to put the pieces back together and administering medication to help the wounds heal.
Eventually, Bubbles was cleared to enter wet, muddy areas at the shelter. One day, Bernadette noticed Bubbles burrowing into a mud puddle. Curious, Bernadette checked the area later that day and found a round white egg in the dirt.
Though vets had initially assumed Bubbles was a boy, it turns out, they’d been wrong. Bubbles was a girl, and now she was laying eggs.
“This was an interesting and shocking surprise,” Bernadette said.
Regardless of what might happen with the eggs, it’s clear that, soon enough, Bubbles will be strong enough to make it on her own.