Trip
Trip
Arrival Date: May 5,2024
Patient Profile
Name: Trip
Species: Green Sea Turtle
Weight: 24 Pounds
Reason for visit: Boat Strike and Fibropapillomatosis (FP)
Location Found: Vaca Key, FL
Status Report
05/24/24: The Turtle Hospital received a call of a Green Sea Turtle in distress on Vaca Key. Our rescue team quickly called the Coast Guard for assistance in finding the turtle as the caller reported they had lost sight of him. This was no problem for these service men as they know these waters well. Once located, this Green Sea Turtle was named “Trip” by the Coast Guards and were happy to help give Trip a lift to The Turtle Hospital. Rehab staff jumped into action, performing intake diagnostics and supportive care. Trip was found to have suffered a boat strike, with deep wounds to his shell, along with Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. Rehab staff suspect Trip had been unwell due to Fibropapillomatosis (FP) resulting in extreme lethargy making him stay at the surface of the water to breathe. The most dangerous place for a turtle to be is the surface of the water, this places them in the path of incoming vessels (i.e. Boats, Jet Skis), and predator attacks.
05/25/24: It has been 24 hours since Trips’ arrival to The Turtle Hospital. Rehab staff have begun wound care treatments to Trip’s shell to add in the healing process. Trips shell has cracks to his shell from the propeller striking it. Over time and with proper support and medication Trip’s shell can make a full recovery and live a full normal turtle life at sea. Trip unfortunately is also ill with Fibropapillomatosis (FP) and will require surgeries in the future to remove them. In the meantime, Trip is receiving the best care here at The Turtle Hospital and his rehab team will ensure he receives all that he needs during his stay. Trip so far has been eating great and adjusting well to his hospital tank. As many people come to The Turtle Hospital to visit our patients, Trip receives lots of words of encouragement and best wishes.
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