Chompers

Green (Chelonia mydas)

(ST 1068)

Age Class	Juvenile
Gender	Unknown
Date Stranded	March 19, 2010
Location of Stranding	Southern Manasota Key
Date of Arrival	March 19, 2010
Number of Days of Care	45

Final Disposition

Released May 3, 2010

close up frontal view of sea turtle named chompers

3/21/2010 This turtle arrived yesterday afternoon, found floating in Stump Pass by a passing boater. The turtle is lethargic and has some old (likely congenital) abnormalities, including an extra tail and a deformed lower jaw. Chompers was placed in shallow fresh water along with Mate, and did well overnight. The turtle is doing well today, still a little lethargic, but has started eating squid and capelin (fish). 3/27 Turtle is eating well and swimming well in deeper water. Bloodwork shows some continuing mild electrolyte abnormalities, but is improving. 4/15 Bloodwork shows resolution of the electrolyte problems; only issue now is a low red blood cell count (slight anemia). We will recheck blood in a couple of weeks; if within normal ranges, can consider releasing this turtle. Chompers continues to have a very good appetite and is gaining weight appropriately. 4/24 Chompers is medically ready for release! Will apply for permission from the state and hopefully have him back into the wild sometime this week. 5/6 Chompers was released off the south end of Manasota Key on Monday!