1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
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Age Class | Subadult |
Gender | Unknown |
Date Stranded | January 14, 2006 |
Location of Stranding | Little Gasparilla Island, Charlotte Harbor |
Date of Arrival | January 14, 2006 |
Number of Days of Care | 193 days |
Released July 26, 2006 from Lido Beach
This turtle was found in the surf on the beach at Little Gasparilla Island, Charlotte Harbor. The turtle is quite cold, possibly cold-stunned, but also has most of the symptoms of red tide toxicosis. It has been started on treatment and placed in shallow water. 1/16 Turtle is somewhat more responsive, now that its body temperature is up. Is being placed in somewhat deeper water. 1/18 Turtle is getting stronger each day. It is now swimming a little, but has not yet taken any food. 1/24 Turtle continues slowly improving. Have begun to tube feed since it is still not eating. 1/29 Turtle is taking food into its mouth, but is still unable to swallow it, likely due to red tide paralysis that is subsiding. Doing well otherwise. 2/1 Tube feeding continues as turtle is interested in food, but not yet swallowing it. It is now in much deeper water. 2/11 Still not eating on its own, but is gaining weight from tube feeding. 2/15 Turtle finally began eating on its own this morning. This is a very good sign. 2/22 Turtle now has a good appetite and is doing very well. 3/5 Appetite is variable, but doing very well. 3/12 Appetite is still variable, but doing well otherwise. 3/22 Appetite is off again, so planning to ultrasound and do gastroscopy later this week. 3/24 Ultrasound this morning revealed thickening of the intestinal tract and gastroscopy revealed several small lesions in the stomach. Biopsies were taken and new treatment was initiated. 3/29 No change. Tubing turtle every day with herring gruel. 4/11 Turtle continues to receive gruel every day. 4/24 Turtle showed first evidence of wanting to eat this morning. Keeping our fingers crossed. 5/2 Turtle is occasionally eating, but not consistently. Otherwise doing well. 5/12 Turtle is now eating very well and beginning to regain the weight lost in the last two months. No other symptoms or problems. 5/21 Turtle continues to eat well and gain weight. May be ready for release in the next month. 5/29 Continuing to do well. 6/12 Turtle continues to gain weight. 6/21 Still gaining weight and doing well. 7/7 Turtle is doing very well. 7/18 Still doing well. 7/24 Turtle was tagged today and may be ready for release by Wednesday. 7/26 Turtle was released this morning at Lido Beach. Release went very well.