JUNE 23, 2008
Smitty, a sub adult Loggerhead Sea Turtle, was released just North of the Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon. Admitted in January 2008, the turtle had been found floating and was unable to dive. Tests indicated an infection causing the problem and treatment was antibiotics and vitamins.
Participating in the release was Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Turtle Hospital Director Richie Moretti.
The release was done from a US Coast Guard vessel.
And Smitty was last seen headed out to sea.
June 17, 2008
Cuda, a juvenile Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, was admitted to the hospital in March 2008. The small turtle had nylon line wound around the base of one flipper and the line was attached to a plastic float. (See archives March 2008 for rescue details). The damaged flipper was saved by performing daily physical therapy to stimulate blood flow and exercise damaged muscles.
Turtle Hospital staff, Micah Rogers, returning Cuda to the water. The release was performed North of Long Key.
June 8, 2008
Two sub adult Green Sea Turtles were released aprox 8 mile North of Marathon.
Agnes had been hit by a boat and suffered a number of prop cuts to her head and shell (see archives February 2008 for rescue details). Turtle Hospital staff Tom Luebke and Dr Kevin Fitzgerald (Animal Planet Emergency Vet) ease her into the Gulf.
Rachel had undergone surgery to remove external fibropapilloma tumors and was held for a year to ensure no re-growth.
June 8, 2008
Dr Doug Mader, staff from the Marathon Veterinary Hospital, accompanied by Dr Kevin Fitzgerald (Animal Planet Emergency Vet) and Turtle Hospital staff performed several procedures today.
Snoop Riley, an adult Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle had an endoscope process to inspect for internal fibropapilloma tumors. This turtle has had external tumors removed twice before and recently another re-growth was found on the front flipper. A biopsy was performed on a suspicious area of the liver and the external tumor removed.
The endoscope entry points are closed by stitches
Hale, a juvenile Green Sea Turtle had already undergone a front flipper amputation, endoscope and removal of several large external tumors. Today’s surgery was to remove the remaining external tumors. The turtle was required to be anesthetized during the procedure and is connected an anesthesia machine that provides an adjustable mixture of “gas”, oxygen and air, as required.
Both turtles were kept out of water overnight and are doing well after being placed back in the pool.
June 2, 2008
Two Hawksbill Sea Turtles were released near the Contents Keys. Fito (a post hatchling) had been found floating in a high boat traffic area at Ocean Reef in Key Large and Niles (a juvenile) was from Niles Channel near Summerland Key. The Contents Keys area provides a shallow reef system with coral rock ledges and a variety of sponges which makes it an ideal habitat for the small Hawksbills.
Turtle Hospital Staff were taken out by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which oversees the area Wildlife Refuges.
Officer Steve Berger releasing Niles.
Turtle Hospital Staff Tom Luebke releasing Fito.
June 1, 2008
A post hatchling Hawksbill Sea Turtle was found on the shore of Key Colony Beach. The small turtle was very emaciated and weak. Staff administered fluids which greatly improved the condition. The turtle has been placed in a tank, is swimming strongly and is eating well.
TREY Release
May 31, 2008
Trey is a juvenile Green Sea Turtle that had several surgeries to remove external fibropapilloma tumors and endoscope inspection to ensure there were no internal tumors.
Waiting a year after the last surgery (to ensure there are no re-growths), Turtle Hospital Staff performed the release approximately 12 miles North of Marathon.
