According to Caters New Agency, the albino pinkbelly sideneck turtle was born with her heart exposed. In humans, this condition is called ectopia cordis, but in veterinary medicine there is no name for the life-threatening genetic defect.
Even with her heart beating outside of her shell, the baby turtle, named Hope, has defied the odds and survived.
Hope lives with her owner Michael Aquilina in New Jersey. Aquilina, known as AquaMike on Instagram, was given the turtle by a friend who felt Aquilina had the passion and experience to give Hope the longest, happiest life possible.
To read more on this story, click here: Baby Albino Turtle Born With Her Heart Beating Outside of Her Shell Defies the Odds
