Turtles injured by vehicle collisions in Victoria, Australia, are receiving innovative treatment using dental resin and 3D-printed shell components, thanks to the efforts of wildlife carer Josh Neille.
Neille, an electrician by trade, has dedicated over a decade to rescuing and rehabilitating native animals in the Gippsland region. He’s become known locally as a “panel beater for turtles,” employing techniques borrowed from automotive bodywork and dentistry to repair cracked and fractured shells. “The turtle comes in like your car does when you have an accident and gets a big dint in it, and then I’m the bloke that’s doing that sort of stuff,” Neille explained.
The process begins with thorough cleaning and preparation of the damaged shell, removing contaminants before applying layers of primer, resin, and glue. A UV light is then used to cure the materials, creating a durable bond. The length of recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury, with minor cracks requiring as little as three or four days of care. One recent patient, an eastern long-necked turtle, required three months of intensive treatment for severe fractures that threatened its vital organs.
Neille’s work extends beyond simple repairs. He utilizes 3D scanning and printing technology to create custom-fitted replacements for missing or damaged shell sections. “I can modify that shell and fill in holes,” he said, “And then in combination with the dental resins and the glues, we’re using all these different methods and combining them to get the best outcome for that patient.”
Crucially, the availability of dental resin was facilitated by a donation from Yana Stevens of Heyfield Family Dental Care, who provided surplus supplies that would otherwise have gone to waste. Stevens confirmed the suitability of the materials, stating that if they are safe for human use, they are also safe for turtles. “It felt good to help the animals, otherwise they would die from infection because [their] nerve endings are exposed and all the blood vessels in the shells,” she said. She also provided Neille with detailed instructions on the proper application of the materials, including the necessity of a UV light for curing.
Stevens also suggested potential applications for the dental supplies in treating other injured wildlife, highlighting a collaborative relationship with Neille that extends beyond turtle rehabilitation. “He knows my passion for the animals, and he has helped me to rescue some other animals before,” she said. “I already mentioned to him; just let me recognize if one of the animals needs dentures or something.”
Neille’s Tinamba farm serves as a sanctuary for approximately 200 native animals, including wombats, possums, emus, and various bird species. He coordinates with a network of carers through social media to ensure each animal receives appropriate care. His online presence, boasting nearly 2 million Instagram followers, has also proven valuable in identifying injured wildlife and soliciting advice from the public.
Neille has treated nearly 15 turtles in the past year, and as one healed turtle is released back into the wild, another arrives with a damaged shell, awaiting its turn for repair.
