Ding

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

(ST0232)

Age Class Adult
Gender Male
Date Stranded August 24, 2002
Location of Stranding Longboat Key, FL
Date of Arrival August 24, 2002
Number of Days of Care 1 day

Final Disposition

Died

This turtle was found stranded on Longboat Key. The turtle was nearly comatose, non-responsive, and appeared to have an intestinal blockage. It died the first night in rehab. A necropsy was performed the next day, and it was found that 90% of the small intestine of the turtle was swollen shut, so that no food could have moved through it. This is similar to an intestinal disease that has been seen over the past three years in the area. It is possible that it is caused by a trematode parasite

view of section of occluded intestine during necropsy
View of section of occluded intestine during necropsy

Happening at Mote

Fin Fact

Mote rescues marine animals in distress. Report a stranded, distressed or deceased sea turtle or marine mammal Sarasota or Manatee counties by calling Mote's 24/7 hotline at 888-345-2335.

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