Mrs. Simpson’s fourth grade class raised money to adopt “Bender” from the Turtle Hospital for their teacher for her birthday. This is the second year that her class has raised money to adopt a sea turtle, but the first year they raised the money themselves!  The class is studying endangered animals and hopefully these bright young students can continue to raise awareness on the plight of sea turtles in the wild.

The Turtle Hospital staff would like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs. Simpson and her fourth grade class of 2009!

The Turtle Hospital recently hosted the annual Sea Turtle Workshop Weekend where people from all around the world came to Marathon to learn how to better help sea turtles survive. Individuals who work with sea turtles in the medical, rehabilitation, captive and long term care fields came together to share ideas, procedures, cases and techniques. This year, The Turtle Hospital hosted 110 attendees representing 42 different organizations from 5 different countries.

A full day of lectures and presentations were held at The Marathon Government Center where information on sea turtle medicine, rehabilitation, captive care, captive diet as well as interesting cases were discussed. These presentations allow biologists, veterinarians, professors, students and other professionals involved in the study and rehabilitation of sea turtles to learn from one another and share pertinent information. The Turtle Hospital also hosted a hands-on necropsy lab and sea turtle anatomy/physiology lab. The first lab conducted was the “Sea Turtle Proper Biopsy/Sampling Collecting” with Dr. Brian Stacy from the University of Florida. The second lab was held by Dr. Douglas Mader and Dr. Jeanette Wyneken and focused on the anatomy/physiology of sea turtles.

In addition to the workshop, Save-A-Turtle, a volunteer organization in the Keys that monitors sea turtle nesting beaches, hosted a dinner party for the attendees. After an informative day filled with presentations and labs, attendees were able to fill their stomachs with burgers, hot dogs and dessert adjacent to the sea turtle enclosure. An auction was also held to support WIDECAST, a grant program that helps train veterinarians from around the world in sea turtle medicine and care.  Many of these participating veterinarians donate their time to help conserve sea turtles in areas that offer little protection for sea turtles.

The Turtle Hospital staff would like to thank all who attended and helped make this event possible. We hope to see you again next year!

The Turtle Hospital would like to extend a special thank you to West Marine for its commitment to save endangered sea turtles in the Keys. Recently, West Marine held a fundraiser during the grand opening of their new location in Marathon and five percent of all proceeds were donated to the Turtle Hospital, a 501(c)3 non profit organization. Over $1200 was raised to help pay for food, medication, and care for the 50 sick and injured sea turtles currently residing at facility. Turtle Hospital representatives Beth Vickrey and Thea Ramsay wrapped customer holiday gifts while also educating people on the threats that sea turtles and marine wildlife face. Many sea turtles ingest or get entangled in fishing gear, and by teaching people to properly dispose of fishing line and gear, this outcome can be prevented. Sea turtles play a vital role in the Keys ecosystem and the Turtle Hospital sincerely appreciates the contribution West Marine has made to the survival of these animals.

 Joe, a 3 pound juvenile Green sea turtle was rescued December 10th. Fishermen off of the Saddlebunch Keys discovered a small sea turtle struggling to swim. Upon rescue, they realized this was because Joe only had two flippers! Once admitted to The Turtle Hospital staff determined that Joe was most likely born with only three flippers. Unfortunately for Joe, it appears as though he was most likely attacked by a predator which removed a significant portion of his left front flipper as well.

 But Joe is a survivor! Even with only two remaining flippers (both on the right side!) Joe swims very well. He is able to eat on his own and continues to show improvements in his mobility everyday! Staff will continue to monitor his progress here at the hospital.