01/23/2017   Animal was found on the beach on Longboat Key and transported to Mote.  Mike was extremely lethargic and is suspected to be affected by Red Tide toxicity.  Animal was given subcutaneous fluids and was placed in a rehab. pool at very shallow depth.  Upon admission, turtle was scanned for PIT tags and there was a tag present.  Tag had been implanted in 2011 when animal nested in Brevard County!

01/24/2017   Injectable antibiotic therapy was initiated to treat possible aspiration pneumonia from stranding event.

01/27/2017   Mike is still lethargic, but becomes more active when stimulated.  Has not defecated yet.  Ate a squid today!

01/28/2017  Mike had a very large defecation full of crab shells and other shellfish.

02/06/2017  Mike still has some buoyancy issues and floats, but is more active and eating all food offered.  Swiched to an oral antibiotic. 

02/24/2017   Animal is now able to rest flat on bottom of tank, so water level was raised to full depth.  Mike is foraging at times and is eating most of the food items offered.  

03/11/2017  Animal's blood work is improving, so oral antibiotics were discontinued.

03/19/2017  Mike continues to eat well and behave normally.  Currently waiting for animal to gain weight and be off antibiotics for a couple weeks prior to rechecking a blood sample.

04/10/2017   Mike was released today at Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island!