42 Days of Care and a Return to the Wild for Gopher Tortoise 25-2104
Gopher Tortoise 25-2104 arrived at Peace River Wildlife Center in late October after sustaining serious traumatic injuries in Deep Creek. He had multiple shell fractures and bleeding from his nares, along with an injury to the upper part of his face. These types of injuries can make it difficult for a tortoise to breathe, eat, and move comfortably, so our team began immediate stabilization and supportive care.
Over the first several days, his wounds were flushed and wrapped, he received pain medication and antibiotics, and he was placed on a treatment plan that included soaks, monitored walks, nebulization, and laser therapy to support healing. His activity level and appetite varied from day to day, which is common in tortoises recovering from trauma, but our rehabilitation team watched him closely for any changes.
A new concern developed during that first week. He began showing significant nasal and ocular discharge, which can indicate upper respiratory disease. Respiratory issues can be serious in gopher tortoises, especially when they are already dealing with major injuries. He continued on our standard protocol of oral doxycycline and enrofloxacin along with supportive care, but the discharge persisted.
At that point, our team researched additional treatment options and identified Tulathromycin as a next step. Tulathromycin is a long-acting antibiotic most commonly used in cattle, and because it is packaged for large animals it is not practical for a wildlife center to purchase in full quantities. We contacted Choice Veterinary Services to see if they could provide the small dose needed. They supplied the medication and shared the most current guidance on its use in tortoises so we could adjust his treatment plan without delay.
He received the injection on November 17, and improvement followed quickly. His nasal discharge decreased, he became more active, and his feeding behavior improved. On warm days he spent time in our outdoor run where he could graze, soak, and walk under natural sunlight. This time outside supported both his physical recovery and his natural behaviors.
By late November, he was fully active, eating well, and free of discharge. His weight remained stable and his wounds continued to heal. Our rehabilitation team confirmed that he was ready for release once the temperatures warmed after a passing cold front.
On November 29, one of our dedicated volunteers returned him to Deep Creek. Gopher tortoises rely heavily on established burrow systems and known territory, so returning them to the same location where they were found is essential. In the release video, he pauses to take in his surroundings, then moves steadily into the familiar vegetation. That moment represents a full circle return to the life he knows.
His recovery required 42 days of treatment, including wound care, oral medications, nebulization, laser therapy, supplemental hydration, and daily evaluations. These long recoveries are possible because of the training and consistency of our rehabilitation team and because our community partners step in to help when a case requires specialized resources. Choice Veterinary Services played an important role by providing the exact dose needed for a medication that is not normally accessible in small volumes.
Gopher Tortoise 25-2104 is now back where he belongs in Deep Creek. His story highlights the resilience of native wildlife and the importance of expert care, collaboration, and responsible resource use. Every successful release reflects the combined efforts of our supporters, volunteers, and staff who make this work possible.
