The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.

16/01/2025

Sea turtles face many threats at sea, from entanglement in fishing gear, which more often than not leads to suffocation and death or injuries inflicted by humans, to collisions with speed boat and plastic pollution. Fortunately for those injured or sick animals that are found in Greek seas there is the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON in Glyfada, Attica, who work tirelessly to rehabilitate them. One surprising tool for their treatment? Honey!

Sea turtle during wound care with honey

"Honey, nature's antibiotic, holds potent healing properties, as it boosts natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help fight off infections in wounds. “This is crucial for injured sea turtles, whose open wounds are vulnerable to harmful bacteria and fungi”, says Eirini Kasimati, the Rescue Network and Rehabilitation Officer of ARCHELON."

We have used honey and it has been proven effective in promoting healing, reducing inflammation, debriding wounds (removing dead tissue), and creating a protective barrier against further contamination. It is a gentle and natural approach to wound management for sea turtles, which are often stressed after being injured”, she continues.

Sea turtle receiving wound treatment care with honey

While honey is a promising treatment for sea turtles, it is important to note that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At the Rescue Centre of ARCHELON, the wound of each sea turtle will be carefully assessed, and it’s comprehensive recovery plan may combine honey with other treatments. Research on the use of honey in sea turtle treatment is ongoing, but its effectiveness has garnered significant interest and offers a promising future for helping these incredible creatures heal and return to the ocean.

Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation

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