02/21/2023  Turtle was found washed ashore at 31st beach access in Holmes Beach, Manatee County.   Suspect red tide toxicity.  Animal was transported to Mote for rehabilitation.  Animal is currently dry-docked due to likely red tide neurotoxicity and extreme lethargy.  Will receive subcutaneous fluids daily to help flush out toxins until behavior improves and "Farmer" starts eating.

02/24/2023  Farmer failed its swim test today, so will be dry-docked and given fluid therapy another day.  Did defecate a large amount of shellfish today, indicating animal had been eating recently prior to stranding.

02/26/2023  Farmer passed his swim test and is now in very shallow water.  Was started on antibiotic injections due to signs of pneumonia secondary to stranding.  

03/01/2023  Farmer is still quite lethargic and is in very shallow water.  He has started showing interest in eating and will eat small amounts of seafood when offered.

03/10/2023  Farmer is eating well.  Switched from an injectable antibiotic to an oral anitibiotic to minimize handling and stress.  Water level of tank is being slowly increased a couple inches every few days as turtle becomes slightly less lethargic.  

03/17/2023  Turtle is now more alert and active, so tank depth was raised to full.  Farmer continues to eat well. 

04/05/2023  Farmer is getting stronger, eating well, and has already gained 9.5 lbs since stranding!  Unfortuantely, blood work still indicates mild anemia, so turtle is receiving weekly iron injections.  

04/21/2023  Farmer continues to forage full diet offered daily.  Was administered Panacur anti-parasitic two weeks apart in case parasites are contibuting to anemia.  

05/03/2023  Blood values are improving and Farmer continues to eat well and gain weight.

05/16/2023  Lilly and Farmer were released at Lido Beach!