Shipping class: Adoption

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Adoption – Debilitated Green Sea Turtles

Patients: Only 1 left!
Date: March 27, 2024
Location: Northeast Florida
Circumstances: Debilitated Green Sea Turtles

Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) received 15 juvenile green sea turtles from northeast Florida. The sea turtles were found stranded on shore and immediately received exams and medical assessments by various northeast Florida rehabilitation facilities. In order to free up needed space at these facilities for other patients, the turtles were transported to GWMI.

Most of these turtles had an overload of epibiota (organisms that live on the surface of other organisms) and were found to be very lethargic. They received fresh water baths to help safely remove the overload of barnacles and other epibiota. To aid in their rehabilitation, they also received vitamins, fluids, medications (if necessary) and restaurant quality diets, (fish and squid). Most of these turtles were successfully rehabilitated and released. One turtle, Moana, is still in rehab and is currently up for adoption.

We want to thank the following facilities for their help and coordination in this effort: Brevard Zoo, Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Lab, Volusia County Marine Science Center, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers as well!

 

Adoption – Lucia

Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Walton County, Florida
Circumstances: Trauma
“Lucia” a subadult loggerhead sea turtle was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute late in the afternoon on World Ocean’s Day, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Thanks to the determined efforts of our friends at  South Walton Turtle Watch, Lucia, who had reportedly been struggling to swim in the shallow waters near shore in Walton County, was rescued and transported to our rehabilitation program.
It was clear that Lucia had endured some recent trauma, as the turtle’s left front flipper was largely missing, left rear flipper has open wounds, and back end/tail area also has open wounds. Lucia has begun medical treatment for these injuries and has been placed in a shallow water habitat to slowly assess energy levels and mobility without causing additional stress. Lucia has a healthy appetite and is eating capelin and herring.
We thank our stranding network partners for their assistance in bringing this beautiful loggerhead to our rehab program!

Adoption – Tilapia

Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Cape San Blas
Circumstances: Trauma
“Tilapia” the subadult loggerhead sea turtle was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute on World Ocean’s Day, Saturday, June 8, 2024. The sea turtle was found to be washing ashore on Cape San Blas with severe damage to both front flippers. There was also evidence of recent shark attack injuries that had already begun to heal. Tilapia is currently under observation in a shallow water habitat and is receiving wound treatment.
We would like to thank USGS for responding and assisting with the transport of Tilapia to Gulf World Marine Institute.