Turtle Pulled From The Sea So Children Could Stand On Him For Selfies
A turtle endured stress and suffering after it was dragged out of the ocean by a group of tourists who used it as a prop for selfies.
Pictures taken from Havana Beach in Beirut, Lebanon, show the sea creature dragged from the water before children stood on its back.
Eyewitnesses also claim the turtle was thrown around the sand and even beaten with a stick while smiling beachgoers stood on and around it for photos, according to Green Area.
Jason Mier, executive director of Animals Lebanon, told The Dodo: “We were not present when the turtle came to shore and have to rely on pictures and accounts of people who were present.
Cruel: One beachgoer dragged the turtle from the ocean before tourists took photos (Green Area)
"Luckily, other people were there who did care and stopped this and helped get the turtle to a safe area.”
Animals Lebanon took the turtle in after its reported beating, which caused it to suffer a dent on its head.
Mier added: “There is a noticeable depression in the head where the bone has been damaged and sea water is able to enter the bone.
“A small amount of pressure around this area and the water seeps back out.”
The turtle is receiving treatment for its injury and it is hoped he will be returned to the ocean next month.
Top pic: Green Area
