Many animal rescue organizations across the United States are currently collecting used bras. The reason? They have the potential to help save the lives of turtles.
Trace Belle—founder and director of an animal rehabilitation center in Independence, Iowa—came up with the idea of using old bra clasps and small plastic zip ties secured with epoxy to save turtles with injured shells. The bra clasps are glued to the two broken halves of the shell, while the plastic zip ties are used to pull the crack tightly together. This method facilitates the healing of the turtle’s broken shell.
Meanwhile, another non-profit organization, Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, employs a similar method but substitutes the plastic zip ties with metal wire to bind cracked shells. The bra clasps are removed once the turtle’s shell has healed, and the turtles are subsequently released back into the wild.
Turtle Shells Are Highly Vulnerable
A shell is not merely a protective casing or a mobile home for a turtle; it is an integral part of its skeletal structure, serving to protect its internal organs. While pet turtles—kept in captivity and carefully tended to—rarely suffer from shell damage, their wild counterparts are not nearly as fortunate.
The shell is an integral part of the skeletal structure, serving to protect the turtle’s internal organs.
Human encroachment and activity in natural environments have numerous detrimental effects on the lives of wild creatures. A turtle’s shell—sturdy as it may be—is not immune to injury when exposed to fire, rocks, or even human vehicles. Some turtles suffer such severe damage that they are beyond repair; others are more fortunate, retaining the potential for recovery—albeit without fully regaining their original state—provided they receive proper care. This situation underscores the critical need for materials as well as resources dedicated to the care and rescue of turtles.
To minimize waste while simultaneously fostering a greater appreciation for nature, non-profit organizations have devised a brilliant initiative: utilizing old bras to save the lives of turtles with fractured shells.
Bra clasps are glued onto the two broken halves of the shell, while plastic zip ties are used to firmly compress the fracture.
Bra clasps are glued onto the two broken halves of the shell, while plastic zip ties are used to firmly compress the fracture.
Bras featuring wide bands and sturdy clasps serve as ideal medical splints, capable of immobilizing a turtle’s injury over an extended period. Another advantage is that these improvised medical aids can be reused multiple times. Therefore, if you happen to have any old bras that you no longer wear, do not be too quick to throw them away.
Bra clasps are glued onto the two broken halves of the shell, while plastic zip ties are used to firmly compress the fracture.
Bra clasps are glued onto the two broken halves of the shell, while plastic zip ties are used to firmly compress the fracture.
**An Enthusiastic Public Response**
Immediately following the appeal issued by these non-profit organizations, people flocked to donate with great enthusiasm, often accompanying their contributions with words of praise and support for this noble idea.
The hard outer casing surrounding a turtle consists of two main parts: the upper section is known as the *carapace* (shell), while the lower abdominal section is called the *plastron* (undershell). This protective casing is not merely a rigid structure; it also contains blood vessels and nerve endings belonging to the turtle, which extend throughout the entire shell. The bony structure of the shell is covered by a layer of skin and a thick layer of keratin—the same material that makes up human hair and fingernails—commonly known as scutes or scales. These layers protect the turtle from injury, whether minor or severe. And never—under any circumstances—can a turtle completely shed this natural armor.
If you have old bras that you no longer wear, do not be too quick to throw them away; the metal hooks from these garments can actually help save the lives of turtles.
If you have old bras that you no longer wear, do not be too quick to throw them away; the metal hooks from these garments can actually help save the lives of turtles.
However, much like other animals, turtles can face issues with their “mobile homes.” The shell can begin to rot due to infections caused by bacteria or fungi. Furthermore, the abnormal growth of scutes can lead to shell deformities, causing them to crack, shatter, or chip. Compounded by human impact—particularly from fires and vehicles—an increasing number of turtles are suffering damage to the natural armor bestowed upon them by nature.
These turtles will eventually be returned to the wild.
These turtles will eventually be returned to the wild.
It requires a collective effort from everyone to join hands in rescuing and repairing the damage sustained by these harmless, gentle creatures.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone for the incredible support shown since our appeal for bra hooks to aid in shell repairs. We have received an astonishing quantity of hooks—so many, in fact, that we are currently unable to accept any further donations. Once again, thank you.” — A representative from the animal rescue organization did not forget to express their appreciation to all those who pitched in to help. Additionally, they pledged to share information regarding other animal rescue centers that could make use of these items. Furthermore, in response to numerous requests for more details, the organization noted that they are still in need of significant assistance.