“We’re providing Howlite’s forever home.”

Bree Kramer
Co-Director
Dallas Children’s Aquarium
.…on permanently hosting an injured sea turtle whose life was transformed by an innovative weighted vest, via NBC 5/KXAS TV.

One of the newest residents of the Dallas Children’s Aquarium had a big problem after he was injured by a boat: A spinal injury had turned his life upside down. Trapped air—also known as “bubble butt syndrome”—made him float vertically and helplessly at the top of the sea. 

According to NBC 5/KXAS TV, experts at the South Carolina Aquarium devised an innovative solution: They created a custom-made weighted vest for the turtle, who’s named Howlite. The vest has pockets that can be lightened or re-weighted as needed for a just-right floating ability.

Now Howlite has found his “forever home” in North Texas—and he’s showing off his fancy black threads in style. 

“Sea turtles are fantastic ambassador animals,” Ruston Hartdegen, also a co-director at Dallas Children’s Aquarium, told NBC 5. “Everybody really loves sea turtles.”

Especially when they’re rocking their own unique style.

You can read more about Howlite’s rescue and recovery by watching NBC 5’s story here.

For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.

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