Diamondback Terrapin Rescued From Power Plant Water Intake

diamondback terrapin aquatic turtle held by gloved hand indoors
Courtesy of Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

The following story about a diamondback terrapin was shared with us by Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Pennsylvania.

In late July 2025, an adult, female diamondback terrapin was rescued after becoming trapped in a power plant cooling water intake. It is believed that she swam up the Delaware River following the salt line, which explains how this coastal species, typically not found in Pennsylvania, ended up so far inland. Because diamondback terrapins are a protected species in surrounding states, Aark’s rehabilitation team received special approval from state wildlife authorities to provide care.

Upon admission to Aark’s wildlife clinic, rehabilitators found her in poor condition, severely dehydrated, emaciated, and showing early signs of a fungal skin infection. She weighed only 500 grams (about 18 ounces) at intake.

Initial treatment focused on careful stabilization. The terrapin was reintroduced to brackish water, the natural balance of salt and freshwater essential for her species, along with freshwater soaks to restore hydration. To begin rebuilding her strength without overwhelming her fragile system, the team administered carefully measured gavage feedings of EmerAid IC Carnivore.

Over the following weeks, her progress was both steady and inspiring. Continued hydration therapy, combined with a gradual diet transition to small solid meals, helped her regain energy and body weight, rising from 500 grams to 634 grams (about 22.4 ounces) in just two weeks.

Now, several months later, this resilient terrapin weighs over 700 grams (about 24.7 ounces) and is eating independently, a remarkable turnaround from her initial condition. With her strength restored and shell and skin health improved, she is on track for release next spring, ready to return to the coastal marshes she calls home.

EmerAid IC Carnivore played a vital role in her recovery, providing safe, high-quality nutrition that supported her stabilization and paved the way for her return to the wild.