Pepper

Age Class	Juvenile
Gender	Unknown
Date Stranded	August 25, 2021
Location of Stranding	Longboat Key Pass, Manatee County
Date of Arrival	August 25, 2021
Number of Days of Care	69 days

Final Disposition

Released

08/25/2021 Turtle was found struggling at the surface of the water in Longboat Key Pass. Longboat Key Fire and Rescue team trnsported the animal by boat to Mote for rehab. Exam findings show the animal in good body condition with no obvious injuries, but is exhibiting neurologic signs consistent with Red Tide toxicity. Pepper will be given subcutaneous fluids daily and antibiotics until neurologic symptoms resolve. He is dry docked overnight.

08/26/2021 Pepper was moved to a shallow rehab. pool. He ate one piece of shrimp, otherwise not interested in eating.

09/08/2021 Depth of rehab. pool was increased to half full. Pepper is very active, swimming normally, and is eating all food items offered. He is receiving oral antibiotics daily.

09/23/2021 Turtle has anemia that is not improving. Started on weekly iron injections.

10/12/2021 Pepper is very active and eating well. Blood values are improving, so iron injections and oral antibiotics were discontinued.

11/02/2021 Pepper was released by Mote staff south of Naples!