Injured caretta caretta to have 3-D orthopedic chin

A member of the caretta caretta sea turtle community which has been severely injured by a boat is due to receive a 3-D chin thanks to the efforts of the Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER).

The right side of the caretta caretta's chin was ruptured by the propeller of a boat in Gümü?lük bay in the southeastern town of Bodrum nine months ago. The caretta caretta has been receiving treatment at DEKAMER since the accident.

DEKAMER manager Yakup Kaska said they were planning to produce an orthopedic chin made of titanium by a 3-D printer for the animal.

"Half of its chin's gone. The missing parts can be replaced with titanium pieces being put together on its chin. We have done research," he said.

The animal, named "AKUT 3," has been suffering from indigestion and has been fed only small fish by hand for nine months.

A total of 122 sea turtles have received treatment at DEKAMER since its foundation in 2008, and 68 have been released to the sea. Unfortunately, 42 of them died, while 12 are still under the protection of the center.

DEKAMER's efforts have been supported by international experts, Kaska said, adding the first international symposium on the protection and biology of sea turtles will be held in Turkey in April.

"We will hold the International Biology and Protection of Sea Turtles Symposium between April 21 and 24 with the attendance of around a thousand scientists from 80 countries," he said.

Kaska said they are planning to prepare the orthopedic chin before the symposium and release the animal to the sea on April 24.