Jezebel was treated at the Marinelife Center after she was hit by a boat more than a year ago. She was brought to Mote so she could spend a short time in a larger, deeper tank to make sure would be able to dive upon release. This sea turtle is now healed and ready to reproduce, so we’re excited to return her to the wild just in time for nesting season.

 

 

Juno and Lucie represent Mote’s ability to develop new treatments to return these endangered and threatened species to the wild, said Dr. Manire. “Because the status of these animals in the wild is so dire, it’s important that we try to treat sea turtles and return them to the wild whenever it’s appropriate,” he said. “At the same time, we are able to discover new disease agents that are affecting the wild populations.  We can only do that if we have enough funding to do so.”

 

 

Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Dolphin and Whale hospital rely on public donations to help treat and release these wild species. For information on how you can support these programs, please contact Mote Marine Laboratory’s Development Office at 941-388-4441, ext. 309.

 

 

About Mote Marine Laboratory

 

Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit marine research organization. It is dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through the public Mote Aquarium and through an education division that provides unique programs for all ages.