Featured Image Credit: Brevard Zoo
Right now, it’s a tough world for wildlife of any shape or size. From tiny honeybeeds to massive sea turtles, many species are facing threatening tribulations of their own. Thankfully – and surprisingly – each can help the other in their own survival.
Both Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Brevard Zoo’s Turtle Healing Center are using honey from bees to treat injured turtles.
The Brevard Zoo is a nonprofit that houses over 900 animals and represents 195 different species from around the world. They focus on animal wellness, education, and conservation.
“We regularly take in turtles that have been struck by boats or propellers or attacked by predators, which can lead to some pretty serious injuries,” said Melanie Stadler, the Zoo’s sea turtle program coordinator.
Stadler also says “Honey has remarkable antibacterial properties that, when applied topically, help their wounds heal with a much lower risk of infection. We’re treating four patients with honey right now.”
The population of bees has been declining which leaves scientist and farmers alarmed. One thing that locals and people all around can do to protect the population of turtles and bees is to reduce their use of pesticides.
Stadler recommends for people to use a mix of saltwater and vinegar as an alternative that is safe for these animals as pesticides are poisonous to them.