Dental Resin Fixes Cracked Turtle Shells in Australia | ABC News

By Jack Colantuono, ABC

In Victoria’s east, an unconventional approach to wildlife rescue is gaining traction. Josh Neille, a wildlife carer in Gippsland, is utilizing dental resin – the same material dentists use for fillings – to repair cracked turtle shells, effectively acting as a “panel beater for turtles.” This innovative technique is offering a lifeline to turtles injured on local roads, and highlights the resourceful ways individuals are addressing the challenges of wildlife rehabilitation.

Neille, an electrician by trade, has dedicated over a decade to rescuing animals injured in the Gippsland region. His work extends beyond turtles, encompassing a diverse range of native wildlife, but his shell-repair method has garnered particular attention. The process, mirroring automotive bodywork, involves cleaning, sanding, priming, and then patching the damaged shell with dental resin, cured using a UV light.

A turtle’s shell must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Photo: Supplied/ ABC News – Jack Colantuono

The Repair Process: From Triage to Release

The recovery of these turtles is a multi-stage process. Each animal undergoes triage, infection control measures, antibiotic treatment, and thorough shell cleaning before repairs can begin. The application of primer, resin, and glue is a careful process, followed by curing with a UV light to ensure a strong bond. The length of recovery varies depending on the severity of the damage. minor cracks may require only three or four days of care, although more severe fractures, like those sustained by a recent eastern long-necked turtle patient, can necessitate months of treatment. That particular turtle required approximately three months of care after sustaining fractures that exposed tissue and threatened vital organs.

A Collaborative Effort: Dental Support and Community Involvement

Neille’s work isn’t a solo operation. He receives crucial support from local professionals, including Yana Stevens of Heyfield Family Dental Care, who donates spare dental supplies. Stevens confirmed that materials safe for human dental work are also suitable for turtle shell repair, emphasizing the durability of these materials – often remaining intact in human mouths for five years or more. This collaboration highlights the potential for cross-disciplinary approaches to wildlife rehabilitation. ABC News reports that Stevens even suggested the possibility of creating dentures for other injured wildlife.

Beyond Shells: A Haven for Gippsland Wildlife

Neille’s Tinamba farm serves as a sanctuary for approximately 200 native animals, including wombats, possums, emus, and various bird species. Many of these animals require specialized care, and Neille actively coordinates with a network of carers through social media to ensure each receives appropriate treatment. His extensive social media presence – boasting nearly 2 million Instagram followers – also plays a vital role in raising awareness about injured wildlife and soliciting assistance from the public. This digital outreach helps identify animals in need and provides a platform for sharing information and coordinating rescue efforts.

The Growing Problem of Roadside Wildlife Injuries

The increasing number of turtle injuries underscores a broader issue: the impact of roadways on native wildlife populations. Neille notes that turtles can be particularly difficult for drivers to spot, contributing to the frequency of these incidents. While specific statistics on turtle road mortality in Gippsland were not provided, the consistent influx of injured animals to Neille’s farm suggests a significant and ongoing problem. This situation highlights the need for increased driver awareness and potentially, infrastructure improvements to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions.

What’s Next for Turtle Rehabilitation?

Neille is continually refining his techniques, incorporating 3D scanning and printing to create custom-fitted replacements for missing or damaged shell sections. This integration of advanced technology promises to further enhance the effectiveness of his repairs. The future of turtle rehabilitation in Gippsland, and potentially beyond, appears to be a blend of traditional veterinary care, innovative materials science, and community collaboration. The success of Neille’s methods could serve as a model for wildlife carers facing similar challenges in other regions. RNZ details Neille’s use of 3D printing alongside dental resin.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of turtles is Josh Neille primarily treating? He primarily treats eastern long-necked turtles, but cares for a variety of other native wildlife.
• Where is Josh Neille located? He operates his wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center from his farm in Tinamba, Gippsland, Victoria.
• What is dental resin and why is it effective? Dental resin is a material used in dental fillings. It’s strong, durable, and bonds well to surfaces, making it ideal for repairing cracked turtle shells.
• How can people help? Drivers can be more vigilant for wildlife on the roads, and report injured animals to local wildlife rescue organizations.

Josh Neille’s dedication and ingenuity offer a hopeful story in the face of increasing threats to wildlife. His work demonstrates the power of individual initiative, collaborative partnerships, and innovative thinking in addressing the challenges of wildlife conservation. Daily Post highlights Neille as a wildlife rescue hero.

– ABC