Final Disposition
Released
3/22/16 Animal found floating in a canal, and a homeowner pulled it out of the water
3/23/16 Animal transferred to Mote. Weight at stranding: 3.1 kg. Reef has no obvious wounds, but does have significant growth of large and small barnacles on carapace. Initiated fluid therapy until animal is eating and injectable antibiotics.
3/31/16 Reef is foraging and eating well. Still floating, so water level is being kept low for the time being.
4/4/16 Reef was moved into a tank with Timothy to make room for a new turtle. Water level was raised. Both animals are eating well, no longer floating, and are much more active.
4/16/16 Animal was switched to oral antibiotics. Removed barnacle overgrowth from carapace.
5/19/16 Bloodwork not responding to current antibiotic, so switched to a different one. Animal does continue to swim well and gain weight.
5/23/16 Reef was moved into a tank with Rigley in order to prepare Timothy for release.
06/23/16 Reef continues to improve. Antibiotics were discontinued.
07/01/16 Reef has been medically cleared for release
07/07/16 Reef was transported by Mote staff and transferred to FWC for release on the east coast today