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 23, 2022 |
Location of Stranding | Anna Maria Island, Manatee County |
Date of Arrival | August 23, 2022 |
Number of Days of Care | 70 days |
Released
08/23/2022 Turtle was found floating near docks on the east side of Anna Maria Island. There were visible injuries consistent with a vessel strike, so turtle was brought into Mote for medical care. "Kerri" was weighed, had blood work done, was given subcutaneous fluids, and was started on injectable antibiotics. The boat strike damage seems to mostly have affected turtle's head and top jaw. Due to buoyancy issues and possible neurologic issues, animal will be kept in a rehab. pool in shallow water.
08/31/2022 Kerri is still lethargic and being kept in shallow water. She still has not ingested any food yet, but has occasionally bit at some prey items. She continues to receive injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until eating.
09/03/2022 Kerri bit at a piece of squid today.
09/08/2022 Kerri ate a couple pieces of seafood and sea grass yesterday. She is much more active, so her water level was increased a couple inches. Her right eye is less swollen and it seems like she may have at least partial vision in that eye.
09/20/2022 Kerri is much more active. The water level in her tank was raised to full depth. She is now eagerly eating all sea food and lettuce offered.
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 Kerri did well recovering after the storm. She is eating normally and is very active.
10/07/2022 Kerri was sedated and had surgery today to remove the fibropapilloma tumors present on her soft tissue. The boat strike wound is healing great and her right eye appears normal thus far.
11/01/2022 Kerri was released today off Anna Maria Island!
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!