An anonymous call brought unique case into the Pennsylvania SPCA last week.
The caller found the turtle partially submerged in frozen water in a turtle tank.
The red-eared slider turtle was frozen solid and dead.
It was brought to the Pennsylvania SPCA's Shelter hospital.
"When we looked at her there were no signs of life," the nursing supervisor at Alicia Royer told Philly.com.
But the staff knew that turtles can go into near-hibernation when their body temperature gets too low.
They placed the turtle on a heating pad under a warming lamp and towel and after a few hours, she blinked, moved her limbs, and came back to life.
Once the staff discovered the turtle was a she, they named her Elsa in a nod to the Disney film “Frozen.” She is estimated to be between 5 and 10 years old. Turtles of her species can live up to 30 years.
Although Elsa is missing toes and has a badly damaged shell, she is capable of moving around.
The shelter hopes to raise funds for surgery to remove dead tissue and seal cracks in Elsa's shell.
In the meantime, Elsa is getting constant care, eating turtle food, mealworms, a special protein gel and dried shrimp while getting pain medication and antibiotics.
About the Author
