Species: Green (Chelonia mydas) Age Class: Juvenile Gender: Unknown Date Stranded: Jan. 08, 2011 Location of Stranding: Stump Pass Marina, Englewood FL, Charlotte County Date of Arrival: Jan. 08, 2011 Number of Days of Care: 136 Final Disposition: Released on May 23, 2011
Comments/Disposition:
Richard upon admission to the hospital.
Richard upon admission to the hospital.
1/8
Richard was brought to Mote's Sea Turtle Hospital and arrived with
many fibropapilloma tumors, including tumors in both eyes. The turtle
also suffers from barnacle obstruction on the nose and mouth. Richard
was given fluids and blood work submitted for testing. The turtle was
tested in low water and seems to be doing well. 1/18 Richard has started to eat on his own but still is not strong enough to go into deeper water. 1/30
Richard had surgery to remove the numerous tumors that coverd the eyes
and body. The turtle recovered quickly and was eating again by the next
day. 2/25 Richard has continued to do well and was moved to a larger medical pool. Richard eats more and gets stronger each day. 3/28 Richard has continued to heal and get stronger. 4/25 Richard is continuing to do well and has become very active. 5/18 Richard has healed from surgery and looks great. We have applied for release and hopefully he will be released next week! 5/23 Today Richard the Great was released on World Turtle Day!
Sick
sea turtles like Richard the Great need our help. All sea turtle
species are either threatened or endangered, so helping sick or injured
animals regain their health so they can be returned to the wild is
important to help their species recover. Please make a donation today to
support Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.
