A rare albino turtle named Hope, who captured hearts around the world for surviving against extraordinary odds, has passed away at the age of nearly six years.

Hope, a Pinkbelly Sideneck turtle, was born in 2018 with an extremely rare condition in which her heart developed outside of her shell. The anomaly was so unusual that veterinarians could not assign it a formal medical name in animals.

A Life Against the Odds

Mike Aquilina, who adopted Hope from a breeder, devoted himself to her care. He provided a safe, carefully maintained environment to protect her fragile condition. Hope lived separately from other turtles to prevent accidental injury, and her tank was meticulously cleaned.

“I keep her water extra clean, give her a soft basking area, and handle her as little as possible,” Aquilina explained in a 2019 interview. “The goal is to keep her deformity clean and her immune system strong.”

Despite her vulnerability, Hope defied all expectations. Over the years, Aquilina shared her journey online, where her story quickly went viral. She became a global symbol of resilience, with her updates often carrying messages of encouragement: “Just a casual reminder that now is not forever. If you’re struggling, hang on tight. The joy is in the journey.”

Global Inspiration

For Aquilina, Hope was more than a pet—she was a source of strength.

“She’s spread hope while also giving me hope,” he said. “Hope has changed my life for the better in such a short amount of time. She’s so small and so fragile, the most delicate thing, but she’s fearless.”

Her story touched thousands, inspiring many to persevere through their own struggles.

A Sudden Goodbye

Earlier this year, Hope was admitted to the hospital with health complications. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $2,000 to cover her treatment. Although she initially showed signs of improvement, her health took a sudden decline.

On August 11, Aquilina announced that Hope had passed away, just one day after another hospital admission.

“Hope was a part of my daily routine, my pride and joy, my purpose for six years of my life and I will be lost without her,” he said in a heartfelt tribute. “I love you Hope. I will miss you forever. Thank you for making my life worth living. Because of you, a lot of people have hope—you brought joy and positivity and strength to so many.”

Legacy of Hope

Though small in size, Hope’s story had an outsized impact on the world. Her resilience became a beacon of encouragement to people across continents.

“Together we were able to touch the world,” Aquilina wrote. “I will try my best to keep going and to keep your spirit alive. Until we meet again. Swim in peace, baby girl.”

Hope’s remarkable life serves as a lasting reminder that even the most fragile beings can leave behind a powerful legacy of courage and inspiration.