A particularly sticky type of crustacean, known as barnacle, usually attaches to rough surfaces like rocks and ships but sometimes also attaches to the shells of sea turtles.
When too many barnacles attach to a sea turtle's shell, they can cause serious damage.
One man in Sri Lanka known as Chika Boy has taken up the task of saving his local sea turtles by removing their barnacles.
In a YouTube video, the man is seen helping one particular turtle covered in barnacles all over.
While it is not obvious that the turtle is in discomfort, barnacles can often cause infection, make eating difficult, or cause the decline of the turtle's vision.
Chika Boy explains:
"The overloading of barnacles will prevent the turtle from moving and swimming properly. Then the turtle will become slower than usual because of increased weight on the turtle's shell, it will find it difficult to search for food."
He adds:
"Also, if the barnacles are attached near the turtle's eyes, its vision will get impacted. Barnacles attached near the mouth of the turtle are also harmful. The turtle will not be able to eat properly due to excessive barnacles."
In order to carefully remove the barnacles, Chika Boy uses a cleaver knife. While some are easier to remove than others, the man always manages to remove every single one of them.
Chika Boy then takes the turtles back to the beach, where they can safely return to the sea.
In another video, Chika Boy is seen rescuing a sea turtle which has been tangled in a fishing net also covered in barnacles. Thanks to the kind man, these amazing sea creatures have someone who looks out for them.
[h/t: My Modern Met]
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