Cowboy

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

(ST11070)

Age Class Subadult
Gender Unknown
Date Stranded December 16, 2011
Location of Stranding Sanibel fishing pier
Date of Arrival December 16, 2011
Number of Days of Care 746 days

Final Disposition


"Cowboy" upon arrival.

12/17 A fisherman reported a hook in front flipper of this sea turtle, which he cut away before transportation could arrive to bring the turtle to the hospital. The turtle was also lethargic and anemic upon arrival at Mote. Staff took radiographs, which revealed a swivel hook and possibly fishing line in the animal's intestines.

12/18 Turtle has begun taking small amounts of food and is passing a lot of crab shells. 

12/21"Cowboy" is eating well and passed the swivel hook and line this morning. 

1/22 Turtle continues to gain weight and is behaving normally. 

3/26  Cowboy is ready for release!!!

4/2  Released


Hooks and line that were ingested by Cowboy.

Happening at Mote

Fin Fact

Sea turtles lay thousands of nests on southwest Florida beaches each summer. On Longboat Key through Venice, Florida, Mote scientists have documented sea turtle nesting since 1982!

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