04/28/2026 “Airboat” is a subadult Green sea turtle that was found floating near Sanibel Causeway. She was placed in low water as he is positively buoyant. She is very active and bit at food when initially offered. This animal was weighed and had blood drawn upon intake. Following bloodwork results, “Airboat” was given fluids and an antibiotic.
05/03/2026 For the first few days in the hospital, “Airboat” was only interested in seagrass. This turtle is currently eating several hundred grams of seagrass a day! “Airboat’ was started on an injectable broad spectrum antibiotic. The water level has not been adjusted yet, as this animal is still exhibiting buoyancy issues.
05/17/2026 “Airboat” has started eating seafood! She was only eating seafood if it was wrapped in seagrass at first, but now is showing interest in the seafood itself. “Airboat” has shown a preference for squid and has begun foraging. Staff members have observed “Airboat” resting flat along the bottom of her tank and the water level is slowly being raised 1″ at a time. Now that this animal is eating consistently she is receiving daily vitamins as well.
06/04/2026 “Airboat” continues to show further improvements everyday. The water level is still being slowly raised, however it is currently at half of full capacity. So far, she is still able to forage on the bottom and rest flat throughout the day. “Airboat” is still receiving antibiotic injections twice a week and has been eating very well.
06/22/2026 The water level in this turtle’s tank has reached full capacity. This animal has had minimal problems with the higher water level and can still eat and rest. The tank salinity has been decreased to 25 ppt per vet staff after examining bloodwork. “Airboat” has been taken off of antibiotics.
07/23/2026 “Airboat” continues to do well. Her tank salinity has been raised to full per vet staff after improvement was seen in her bloodwork. “Airboat” finishes her full diet everyday and has been less picky with seafood. Her condition fluctuates with periods of positive buoyancy throughout the day. Staff members have been closely monitoring her buoyancy and now have a daily observation log where we can keep track of how she is doing and how her status changes hour by hour.