Turtle on arrival at Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital

2/23 Turtle was rescued by the dredge operation off Siesta Key.  Turtle may be affected by the cold temperatures and has a few minor abrasions, but otherwise, seems to be doing fairly well.  Diagnostic workup has been begun. 2/24 Turtle is much improved this morning.  It now rests comfortably underwater and ate well. 2/25 Blood test this morning revealed white count is going up and hematocrit is slowly going down, indicating some infection.  Turtle has been started on antibiotics but is eating very well.  Turtle's behavior is good. 2/26 Appetite continues to be good and turtle continues to be active. 2/27 Turtle is swimming better and has been placed in deeper water.  Appetite still good. 2/28 Doing very well in deeper water.  No adverse changes. 3/1 Continuing to do very well. 3/4 Had to change antibiotics, but is still doing very well. 3/8 Continues to do very well. 3/11 Turtle's white count is now back down to normal. 3/15 Turtle's white count continues to be normal.  Will discontinue antibiotics soon and may be released near end of month. 3/20 Turtle is now off all drugs and doing very well.  Likely to be released late next week. 3/21 Turtle has been approved for release next week.  3/29 Turtle was released this morning from Lido Beach.  Release went very well.

  Lucky in water.  Photo by Di McKissick.