May 30, 2008

Peter is a juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtle that was found floating in a boat basin off of Stirrup Key in Marathon, January 2008. Blood analysis identified an infection which was treated with antibiotics.

With successful rehabilitation, the release was done just North of the Seven Mile Bridge. Participating in the release was Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Keys Mayor Mario Di Gennaro, chairman of the FWCC Rodney Barreto, Turtle Hospital director Richie Moretti and Turtle Hospital administrator Ryan Butts.

And with a splash, Peter returns to his element.

And quickly swims away.

The Turtle Hospital has recently installed a “Web Cam” which allows real time viewing of activity in the main pool. The camera view shows the area where feeding takes place in the morning and periodically during the day.

(Sample Image)

Access the live Web Cam by clicking on “Turtle Enclosure” under the “Turtle Hospital Webcam” heading located on the left side of the main screen.

The Web Cam was made possible by a generous donation.

On May 18, 2008 the annual Super Powerboat Grand Prix was held in the area waters in Marathon.

To ensure the boats (which can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph), don’t harm Sea Turtles or Marine Mammals, the Turtle Hospital coordinates inspection and monitoring of the race course by helicopter before, during and after the event. The “spotters” in the helo have the ability to hover over an animal on the race course (alerting and diverting the boat operators) or even stopping the race. The spotters are staff from the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center. The use of helicopters to keep the species safe has been employed for the last seven years and is also utilized during the Key West boat races.

Pictured above are Turtle Hospital  Administrator, Ryan Butts and Turtle Hospital Education Coordinator Pat Thomson.

Hook (May 25, 2008)

A juvenile Green Sea Turtle was found floating in Vaca Cut in Marathon and taken to Captain Hook’s Marina. The turtle had been hit by a boat prop which resulted in a deep cut across the top of the turtle’s head.

Additionally, the turtle was covered with fibropapilloma tumors. The tumors were so severe that the rear of the shell was deformed.

Examination by Dr Mader’s staff determined the prop cut had damaged the brain and there would be no chance of recovery. After euthanasia, necropsy reveled a number of internal fibropapilloma tumors which would not have been treatable.

Adler (May 18, 2008)

A family was returning from a day of fishing to their home on Flying Cloud Avenue in Big Pine Key and found a juvenile Green Sea Turtle floating in the canal behind their house. Turtle Hospital staff were notified and picked up Adler (named after the family’s daughter).

The turtle was extremely emaciated and covered in fibropapilloma tumors, including the eyes. Despite best efforts by  staff, the turtle was so weakened it did not respond to feeding or treatment and died several days after being admitted.

Sancho (May 20,2008)

Kayakers at Bahia Honda State Park were concerned when they saw a 124 pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle floating. They contacted Park Rangers who in turn contacted the Turtle Hospital. Staff responded and swam out about 20 yards off shore and brought in the turtle that was unable to dive. Sancho (named after one of the kayakers) is being treated for an infection.

Niles (May 17, 2008)

Snorkels found a juvenile Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Niles channel. Concerned that it was missing a front flipper and was not very active, they brought it to the Turtle Hospital. Niles is currently being evaluated and monitored for food intake and mobility ability.

Cudjoe (May 17, 2008)

Cudjoe Key resident, Jim Worrell, was heading out from his home to do some fishing. In Bow Channel he spotted a turtle that was not acting normal. The 107 pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle was floating on the surface and when approached would try to dive but was unable to get under. Jim drove his boat back home and contacted the FWC who in turn called Ryan Butts, the Turtle Hospital administrator. Ryan happened to be in the area, on his day off, and met Jim who took him out to the turtle. Rescuing the turtle was a bit of a challenge as it would swim away when approached by the boat and the large net typically used for this situation was back at the hospital. Ryan was able to jump off the moving boat and manually capture the animal.

With help from his girl friend, her sister and Jim, they were able to get the turtle on to the boat. Staff picked up the turtle in the ambulance and processed it back at the Turtle Hospital. Evaluation of the X-rays indicate a possible lung infection which would cause the floating problem.

While Jim gave up time from fishing, he does get bragging rights for catch of the day.

JPK (May 2, 2008)

Found at the canoe beach in John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, a very emaciated juvenile Green Sea Turtle was picked up by Park Rangers. The turtle is very weak and is being kept out of water unless monitored by staff. With no interest in offered food, daily “force feedings” will be performed in addition to every other day antibiotic, vitamin injections and fluids.

Update May 5, 2008

Sadly, JPK did not make it. Necropsy reveled damaged and scarred intestines that were unable to process or pass food. The damage was most likely caused by ingestion of fish line or plastic

MARK (April 28, 2008)

Found floating near John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, this sub adult Loggerhead has a severely impacted intestine.

It would appear from the X-rays that the turtle has been eating sponges or seaweed. The blockage is being treated with laxatives and enemas.

Update May 2, 2008

The material impacting the intestines has been identified as Spiny Sea Urchins. Fragments of spines and shells have been passed

Update May 19, 2008

Mark did not make it. The intestine blockage was so sever that it had affected other organs.