An eastern box turtle returned to nature Friday, thanks to a trio of humans who each played a role in saving it.
Orangetown Superintendent of Highways James Dean says he found the turtle on Corporate Drive in Orangeburg in August with an injury to its front leg.
News 12 is told that a car or construction machine may have caused the injury.
“We see a lot of animals in the roadway and not always happy endings, but this one is,” said Dean.
Dean contacted Carolyn Hill, who leads Turtles of Western Highway, which is part of the Hudson Valley Humane Society.
She then spoke with Dr. James Maidhof at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital, who healed it by treating the swollen infected leg with a cream and then operated on it. Hill then rehabilitated the turtle in her home.
"There's a nice feeling to be able to get an injured animal that's been healed back to the original home,” said Hill.
“Normally, it does take these turtles a longer time to heal from injuries," Dr. Maidhof. “I just want to wish him well.
On Friday, the trio returned it to a wooded area near where it was found several weeks ago to say goodbye.
They gave him the name, “J.C.J.” that includes each of their initials for the journey they shared with the hard-shelled creature.
