1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
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Myrtle
Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
(ST10155)
| Age Class | Subadult |
| Gender | Unknown |
| Date Stranded | October 6, 2010 |
| Location of Stranding | Venice Fishing Peir |
| Date of Arrival | October 6, 2010 |
| Number of Days of Care | 1182 days |
Final Disposition
Released April 8, 2011
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 The hooks in the image above were embedded externally in Myrtle and removed upon her arrival at Mote. |
| 10/7 Myrtle was snagged by a fisherman who brought the turtle ashore so Mote volunteers and staff could secure the animal and transport it to the Sea Turtle Hospital at Mote. Upon arrival, Myrtle was evaluated and several fishing hooks embedded in the turtle's skin were removed. The hooks removed included a large shark hook in the left front shoulder. X-rays show that there are also a few fishing hooks internally. The hope is that the internal fishing hooks will rust out or pass through Myrtle's digestive system. The turtle has started eating and will be watched very closely. 10/21 Myrtle has become ravenous and loves capelin. The turtle is receiving daily antibiotics. 11/19 Myrtle had surgery today to remove the internal hooks. The turtle woke quickly and started eating right away. The stiches are due to come out next week. Myrtle will possibly have to have another surgery later next month remove other hooks. 11/28 Myrtle continues to eat and get stronger daily. 12/11 Myrtle's neck continues to heal from surgery and the turtle will remain on antibiotics until the surgical site is completely healed. 1/3 Myrtle has completed the round of anitbiotics and continues to heal from surgery. 1/30 Myrtle had a successful second surgery to remove the two internal hooks! Both hooks were removed and the turtle was eating within a couple of hours. 3/28 Myrtle has completely healed from surgery and has been cleared for release! She's to be released on April 8 from Lido Key. 4/8 Myrtle has been released! Click here for details. | |
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| Myrtle heads toward the Gulf from Lido Beach on April 8, 2011. | |
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Sometimes human activities can have a detrimental affect on the marine animals that fascinate us so much. A few things you can do to help wild turtles include:
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