Midnight

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

(ST0323)

Age Class Juvenile
Gender Unknown
Date Stranded May 7, 2003
Location of Stranding Longboat Key, FL
Date of Arrival May 8, 2003
Number of Days of Care 5 days

Final Disposition

Died May 14

This turtle was found in the surf and unable to move its flippers or head. It was extremely emaciated and entire body was covered in barnacles and algae. It also had very poor reflexes. It was given fluids and antibiotics and steroids, but there was very little response. It died five days later. Necropsy revealed an unusual liver and sand in the lungs, likely from the stranding event, that caused severe pneumonia.


View of upper surfaces on arrivals


Ultrasound being used to check maturity

Happening at Mote

Fin Fact

Green morays (a type of eel) are actually blue. They have a yellow slime on their bodies that make them appear green.

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