Luna

Green (Chelonia mydas)

(ST 0954)

Age Class Juvenile
Gender Unknown
Date Stranded September 21, 2009
Location of Stranding Placida Harbor, Charlotte County, FL
Date of Arrival September 21, 2009
Number of Days of Care 1562 days

Final Disposition

Euthanized Nov. 13, 2009

Turtle upon arrival at hospital.

9/22 Turtle was found floating at the surface of the water near Mile Marker 7 in Placida Harbor. It was unable to dive and was having difficulty breathing. 9/24 Turtle began eating and is being kept in shallow water. It is in guarded condition.  10/20  A possible GI blockage is suspected based on radiographs (X-rays).  Animal is being treated with fluids and medication to increase movement in the GI tract.  Will possibly be going for a CT scan in the near future.  11/13 Luna had to be euthanized because of the blockage in her GI tract.  Scans of her GI tract revealed a mass, which turned out to be plastic trash and fishing line.  Because the surrounding tissue had died, euthanasia was the most humane option.  Luna serves as a reminder that we should all dispose of trash in the appropriate containers and recycle whenever possible.

Happening at Mote

Fin Fact

Mote's resident manatee, Buffett, is trained to participate in his own healthcare and in research to benefit his species. We've learned about manatee vision, hearing, sense of touch, physiology and more thanks to this willing participant. Go Buffett!

@motemarinelab #motemarinelab