Mahomes

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Age Class Hatchling
Gender Unknown
Date Stranded February 13, 2023
Location of Stranding Casey Key, Sarasota County
Date of Arrival February 13, 2023
Number of Days of Care 11 days

Final Disposition

Transferred

Mahomes

02/13/2023  Turtle was found washed up on the beach off Casey Key Rd. in Sarasota County.  Animal was trasnported to Mote for assesment and rehabilitation.  Animal is exhibiting signs of likely red tide toxicity.  Was given subcutaneous fluids and was dry-docked overnight due to lethargy and neurologic issues. 

02/14/2023  "Mahomes" was moved to a rehab. pool in very shallow water.  Turtle is still showing signs of lethargy and red tide toxicity, but did eat seafood when offered.

02/22/2023  Mahomes is still lethargic and being kept in shallow water until he is more active.  He is starting to eat more reliably.  Animal is receiving injectable antibiotics every 3 days to treat possible pneumonia.  

02/24/2023  In order to make space at Mote for the high numbers of incoming sea turtle patients affected by toxic red tide exposure, FWC transferred Chief Rainwater, Teeter, and Mahomes to The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center to finish their rehabilitation.

Happening at Mote

Fin Fact

Coral reefs are declining because of climate change—warming temperatures and ocean acidification—but Mote scientists are learning that some corals may cope better than others. For instance, Mote led research has revealed climate change-resilient, native genetic varieties of staghorn coral (an important Florida coral species), and we're growing them in our coral restoration nurseries.

@motemarinelab #motemarinelab