The Turtle Hospital celebrated Earth Day 2010 by releasing a 200 pound sea turtle named Pal from Coco Plum Beach!
Pal, a large Loggerhead sea turtle, was returned to his ocean home in celebration of Earth Day. He was admitted to The Turtle Hospital two short months prior, suffering from an impaction. However with vegetable oil and fiber added to his squid breakfast, Pal quickly passed the blockage. Several well wishers and on-lookers arrived to say goodbye and watch Pal return home. The event also attracted media attention with CBS 4 Miami and CBS Nightly News. For more on his release and video footage please visit CBS 4 news online.
After Pal’s release, Turtle Hospital Director Richie Moretti and Administrator Ryan Butts visited The Dolphin Research Center to celebrate Earth Day with local students. Several facilities attended and spent the day educating the children on the importance of protecting Florida’s wildlife. The students were given the opportunity to meet “Scooter” The Turtle Hospital’s educational Loggerhead, and learn about the impact humans have on sea turtles and how they can help sea turtles survive!
Pal, a 195 pound adult male Loggerhead, was rescued March 24th off of Sunshine Key. At first glance, Pal appears to be a very large healthy sea turtle. Once given an x-ray (see photo above) it was apparent that he was bloated internally with a minor impaction. The trapped gas in the intestines was causing this big boy to float at the surface! Once at The Turtle Hospital, Pal was fed squid soaked in vegetable oil which acts as a laxative and helps him safely and naturally pass any undigested food. After a few short days in treatment Pal began passing what appears to be seagrass and other large pieces of fecal matter. Once staff is certain the impaction has passed, Pal will be given an x-ray to confirm that his stomach and intestines are clear before release. Staff is hopeful that Pal’s stay at the hospital will be short.
UPDATE April 23rd:
Pal was released yesterday in celebration of Earthday! Friends of The Turtle Hospital and the media were present to wish Pal farewell. For more on his story click the following link to CBS Channel 4 news: http://cbs4.com/local/sea.turtle.turtles.2.1650099.html?detectflash=false