Brutus

Green (Chelonia mydas)

(ST13013)

Age Class Juvenile
Gender Unknown
Date Stranded March 8, 2013
Location of Stranding St. Johns, Florida
Date of Arrival March 8, 2013
Number of Days of Care 96 days

Final Disposition

Released 7 June 2013


Brutus upon admission

3/9 Turtle found lethargic with several small papilloma tumors. No obvious wounds or entaglement noted when found. 

3/11 Bloodwork indicates low iron, calcium and potassium. Supplements given, antiobitic and fluid therapy started. Turtle is doing well in the medical pool, floating some. Turtle is eating food offered. 

3/18 A ball of monofilament fishing line found in turtle's defecation.

3/24 Turtle underwent surgery to remove papilloma tumors and the animal recovered well from surgery.

3/28 Turtle is doing well, continues to be on antibiotic treatment.

4/29 Turtle underwent cryotherapy to freeze off some small tumors that had regrown.

6/7 Turtle in good health and physical condition. Transported to East coast of Florida and turned over to Florida Fish and Wildlife for release.

Happening at Mote

Fin Fact

Coral reefs are declining because of climate change—warming temperatures and ocean acidification—but Mote scientists are learning that some corals may cope better than others. For instance, Mote led research has revealed climate change-resilient, native genetic varieties of staghorn coral (an important Florida coral species), and we're growing them in our coral restoration nurseries.

@motemarinelab #motemarinelab