During an operational activity by the Jerusalem District Police bomb squad to locate and neutralize a piece of unexploded ordnance and fragments at a scene in the Mateh Yehuda area, officers encountered an unexpected “casualty”: a land turtle whose shell had been damaged and was bleeding.
The bomb disposal experts arrived at the scene to treat a piece of ordnance that had fallen in the area following an interception. During their scans of the scene, they noticed the injured turtle. According to the initial assessment, the damage to the shell was likely caused by fragments or by the impact of the ordnance hitting the ground.
The incident occurred amid missile launches from Iran toward Israel and Jerusalem during Operation “Roaring Lion”, which has led to interceptions and falling fragments in areas surrounding the city.
How was a turtle injured by missile debris near Jerusalem?
Staff Sgt. A., the police bomb disposal officer who found the turtle, said: “I approached to treat a piece of ordnance that had fallen at the scene, and suddenly I saw the turtle with its shell damaged and bleeding. I immediately understood that it had probably been injured as a result of the impact on the ground from the same item I had come to handle”.
Because the turtle is a protected wild animal, the officer contacted professional veterinary experts for guidance.
How did the bomb squad evacuate the injured turtle?
The bomb squad officers, who are used to handling complex scenes, provided initial care to the turtle. They placed it in a box, fed it grass and ensured it was safe until it could be transferred for professional treatment.
At the same time, they contacted a veterinary center specializing in wildlife and land turtles. Following the professionals’ instructions, the turtle was transferred to Israel Nature and Parks Authority inspectors, who took it for further treatment and rehabilitation at the Safari wildlife hospital.
