Coin-Eating Turtle Dies Despite Surgery That Removed 915 From Stomach

A coin-eating turtle has died just two weeks after it had more than 900 coins removed from its belly in Thailand.

The 25-year-old sea turtle — known as "Omsin" or "Piggy Bank" — died Tuesday of "intestinal obstruction" and blood poisoning from nickel toxicity, The Associated Press reported.

“She at least had the chance to swim freely and eat happily before she passed,” said Dr. Nantarika Chansue, a professor at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University who removed 11 pounds of the “lucky” coins from the turtle’s stomach.

According to AP, Omsin lived in a pond in eastern Thailand where tourists were known toss coins for good luck and longevity. The coin-eating turtle was rescued by the Thai navy after it was clear that it was suffering from some ailments.

After the turtle was evaluated by doctors, it was determined that Omsin had suffered a cracked underside shell, which triggered a fatal infection that ultimately led to its demise.

The initial surgery on March 6 seemed to go well, but a second operation had to be performed after the turtle underwent a checkup on Saturday.

Omsin never woke up following the second operation, though, and was pronounced dead Tuesday morning. 

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