Thai sea turtle undergoes operation after vets find 915 coins inside its stomach!

(Image for representational purposes only)

New Delhi: People often throw coins in various water bodies under the belief that it will bring them good luck. Well, it may mean fortune for them, but those who call these water bodies their homes, may not end up being very lucky.

A sea turtle, nicknamed 'Bank', residing in a pool in Thailand's eastern town of Sri Racha became a victim to people's coin-tossing superstition after veterinarians found 915 coins in its stomach.

Many Thais believe that throwing coins on turtles will bring longevity. Longevity for them, maybe, but not for the turtles.

The loose change eventually formed a heavy ball in her stomach weighing 5 kilograms (11 pounds). The weight cracked the turtle's ventral shell, causing a life-threatening infection and 'Bank' had to be operated upon to get the coins out.

During the four-hour-long operation, five surgeons from Chulalongkorn University's veterinary faculty patiently removed the coins, while "Bank" was under general anesthesia.

(With PTI inputs)