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 on December 26, 2021 after it was found floating and unable to dive below the surface near Blind Pass on Sanibel.
The second Green Sea Turtle was admitted from Fort Myers Beach on February 20 after it was found lethargic and floating in a Marina Waterway.
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle was also admitted from Fort Myers Beach on March 17 after some fishermen accidently 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.
Upon admission to the clinic, the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle 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 CROW’s outdoor turtle tanks to continue with supportive care and close monitoring.
After 86 days in care for Green Sea Turtle and 30 days in care for Green Sea Turtle, they were cleared for release along with the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle.
If you find an animal in distress, contact FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or CROW at 239-472-3644 ext. #222.