Final Disposition
Released
01/23/2017 Animal was found on the beach on Longboat Key and transported to Mote. Mike was extremely lethargic and is suspected to be affected by Red Tide toxicity. Animal was given subcutaneous fluids and was placed in a rehab. pool at very shallow depth. Upon admission, turtle was scanned for PIT tags and there was a tag present. Tag had been implanted in 2011 when animal nested in Brevard County!
01/24/2017 Injectable antibiotic therapy was initiated to treat possible aspiration pneumonia from stranding event.
01/27/2017 Mike is still lethargic, but becomes more active when stimulated. Has not defecated yet. Ate a squid today!
01/28/2017 Mike had a very large defecation full of crab shells and other shellfish.
02/06/2017 Mike still has some buoyancy issues and floats, but is more active and eating all food offered. Swiched to an oral antibiotic.
02/24/2017 Animal is now able to rest flat on bottom of tank, so water level was raised to full depth. Mike is foraging at times and is eating most of the food items offered.
03/11/2017 Animal’s blood work is improving, so oral antibiotics were discontinued.
03/19/2017 Mike continues to eat well and behave normally. Currently waiting for animal to gain weight and be off antibiotics for a couple weeks prior to rechecking a blood sample.
04/10/2017 Mike was released today at Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island!