provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation for Wildlife released two Green Sea Turtles and a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Tuesday morning on Captiva.
New Wave Eco Charters rescued the first Green Sea Turtle (21-6322) on Dec. 26, 2021 after it was found floating and unable to dive below the surface near Blind Pass on Sanibel. The second Green Sea Turtle (22-607) was admitted from Fort Myers Beach on Feb. 20 after it was found lethargic and floating in the Marina Waterway. The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (22-932) was also admitted from Fort Myers Beach on March 17 after some fishermen accidentally hooked the turtle.
Both Green Sea Turtles were suffering from buoyancy issues. Radiographs of the Green Sea Turtles revealed gas trapped in their gastrointestinal tracts. In an effort to help them pass the gas and relieve the buoyancy issues, rehabilitation staff utilized weights. The weights were placed on the back of their shells allowing them to submerge. After a few weeks with the weights, the Green Sea Turtles were no longer floating.
Katie Mueller releases one of three sea turtles Tuesday morning on Captiva, top row second from left, Katie Mueller, Lilli Pedersen, Breanna Frankel, Jayna Patel, Taylor Lukasik and Syndey Swenson; Robin Blast, DVM, releases one of three sea turtles. Photos courtesy Sam Cook and CROW
Upon admission to the clinic, the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (22-932) had a large fishing hook embedded in its mouth. Hospital staff successfully removed the hook, but due to location, there was some damage to the soft tissues in the mouth. The Kemp’s was moved to our outdoor turtle tanks to continue with supportive care and close monitoring.
After 86 days in care for Green Sea Turtle (21-6322) and 30 days in care for Green Sea Turtle (22-607), they were cleared for release along with the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (22-932)! A group of CROW supporters who generously donated funds at CROW’s Gala ‘Wild About CROW’ joined our hospital staff to witness the turtles’ release back to the wild!
If you find an animal in distress, contact FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or CROW at 239-472-3644 ext. #222.
About Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Established in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a teaching hospital saving the sick, injured and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, public education programs and an engaging visitor center, CROW works to improve the health of the environment, humans and our animals through wildlife medicine. For more information, or to plan your visit, go to the CROW website. If you find an animal that is in need of help, call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222.
Leave a Comment