1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Age Class | Subadult |
Gender | Unknown |
Date Stranded | August 11, 2022 |
Location of Stranding | Pavilion Key, Collier County |
Date of Arrival | August 11, 2022 |
Number of Days of Care | 79 days |
Euthanized
08/11/2022 Turtle was found floating out in the Everglades. Animal was rescued and transported to Mote for rehabilitation. Initial exam findings indicate animal is underweight, lethargic, and anemic. "Glades" also has a heavy tumor load of fiborpapilloma tumors including tumors involving both eyes. Turtle was given subcutaneous fluids to help with hydration until eating well, and also was started on an injectable antibiotic due to an elevated white blood cell count. Will be kept in very shallow water until animal is more active.
08/13/2022 Glades is still very lethargic and shows no interest in eating capelin, squid, shrimp, sea grass, or romaine lettuce. Still being kept in very shallow water and is receiving subcutaneous fluids and injectable antibiotics until eating. Closer exam of the eyes indicates tumors are mostly around eyelids and not on the actual cornea, so hopefully they can be successfully surgically removed once turtle is medically stable.
08/14/2022 Glades ate some capelin and shrimp today, but mostly prefers squid.
08/17/2022 Glades has been much more active and is swimming more each day. Continues to eat a small amounts of squid, sea grass, and romaine lettuce. Due to anemia, turtle is now on weekly iron injections and continues to receive injectable antibiotics.
08/31/2022 Glades continues to eat all food offered and is becoming much more active.
09/02/2022 Glades was transported to Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota for a CT scan. The scan showed no evidence of any internal fibropapilloma tumors.
09/03/2022 Glades had surgery today to remove the fibropapilloma tumors around her eyes. She is still anemic, so another surgery will be scheduled at a later date to remove all of the remaining tumors once her blood work has stabilized.
09/08/2022 Glades is recovering well following her surgery. She is active and is foraging perfectly now that her vision is not impaired by tumors.
09/27/2022 All resident and rehabilitation sea turtles at Mote were moved to 2nd and 3rd level offices and dry-docked for the impending arrival of Hurrican Ian tomorrow.
09/29/2022 All resident and rehabilitation sea turtles at Mote were safely moved back downstairs to their tanks. Mote lost power and water during the storm, but suffered no major structural damage.
10/05/2022 Glades did well recovering after the storm. She is eating normally and is very active.
10/29/2022 Glades was sedated for fibropapilloma tumor removal surgery. Due to the severity and rapid growth of tumors and poor prognosis, the decision was made to humanely euthanize the turtle.
Throughout the month of March, Mote Aquarium experiences high daily visitation volume with many timed ticketed entry slots selling out. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance in order to guarantee entry.
Mote Aquarium is open seven days a week at our normal hours, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. We hope to SEA you soon!