1/13 This large loggerhead turtle was cold stunned and brought to Mote by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. Upon arrival, Gwen was missing the tip of her right foreflipper and a bit of her right rear flipper. In addition to being cold stunned, turtle may also be affected by lethargic loggerhead syndrome. Gwen weighs 66.9 kg and has a carapace length of 78 cm. 1/14 Turtle is showing some interest in food but is not yet eating. Medical pool has been warmed to 71-degrees F. 3/14 Turtle's bloodwork has been consistently good, and has been eating well and gaining weight. Gwen was released from Lido Beach today along with Anakin and Dasher - a very special release highlighting all three commonly seen species of sea turtle in our area!

Note: More than 3,000 sea turtles statewide have been affected by record-low January water temperatures. State and federal agencies, along with nonprofit organizations like Mote are responding to this mass stranding by taking in sick sea turtles. To help these animals by making a donation of one of the following items, please call Mote's Development office at 941-388-4441, ext. 509. Click here to make a monetary donation now.

Among the items needed to help care for this record number of turtles at Mote are the following:

• Closed-cell foam padding (this is a high priority and usually available from boat fabricators)
• Kiddie pools, wading pools, cattle waterers or other containers of a similar size that can hold water
• Spray bottles
• Towels and blankets
• Tarps
• Spring clamps (either all metal or plastic)
• Ventilated containers
• Monetary donations to pay for medications, food and satellite tags