Lizzy

Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)

(ST1002)

Age Class	Adult
Gender	Female
Date Stranded	April 30, 2010
Location of Stranding	Big Hickory Island, near Fort Myers Beach
Date of Arrival	April 30, 2010
Number of Days of Care	3

Final Disposition

Released

Sea turtle upon arrival at Mote

1/6 Live adult female leatherback sea turtle stranded at Big Hickory Island near Lovers Key State Park. The turtle was initially stranded on 1/5 at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park but rescuers were able to help the animal return to the wild. On 1/6 the turtle re-stranded and was brought to Mote by FWC personnel for rehab. Since the turtle's arrival, vet staff has been providing fluids and antiobiotics. Currently, the turtle is in the medical pool and appears to be calm and doing well. She is being monitored around the clock and is considered to be in critical condition. Learn more about Lizzy's stranding and Mote's rehabilitation efforts by clicking here. Leatherback turtles are the largest sea turtle species in the world and also the most rare. 1/7 Lizzy was released in 66 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa Fire Rescue donated the use of the Fireboat Patriot and used Lizzy's release as a training mission for her crew. Click to read more about Lizzy's release.Click to view a video.

Mote staff will be doing everything possible to return this adult female to the wild in order to support species conservation. You can help by making a donation to support her medical care. Click here to make a donation.