This turtle stranded near Boca Grande on the Gulf side. The turtle is very lethargic and emaciated. It has been given fluids and started on antibiotics as we await the results of blood tests. Will probably do radiographs within the next 24 hours. 4/19 Radiographs revealed a possible intestinal blockage, but with no evidence of hooks. Started the turtle on oral fluids. 4/20 Seems a little stronger this morning. Will start turtle on gruel and try deeper water this afternoon. 4/22 Intestinal blockage issue is resolving with treatment. Have placed the turtle in deeper water, but it has a flotation issue (air in the coelomic cavity). Drained about 4.5 liters of air and the turtle is now able to dive. Appetite is good. 4/25 Turtle is doing much better. No more air in coelomic cavity. 4/29 Turtle is eating very well and is gaining weight. 5/5 Turtle quit eating for about 5 days, but is now again eating. 5/8 Turtle appears much improved and appetite is good. 5/14 Turtle continues to gain weight and improve. 5/19 Turtle continues to improve slowly. 5/26 Turtle continues to improve and anemia is slowly resolving. 6/5 Improvement continues. Gaining weight and anemia is improving. 6/13 More improvement. May be getting close to release. 6/19 Continuing to improve. 7/14 Anemia is completely gone. Looking for possible release near the end of this month. 7/21 We have requested permission to release the turtle next week. Waiting to hear. Will tag it this week. 7/28 Turtle was released this morning from Lido Beach, Sarasota. Turtle swam away well.

Frontal view

Lateral view