Challah was bitten by shark; Gypsum had swallowed fishing line-both get new lease on life
CLEARWATER, FL (April 19, 2024)– Two endangered green sea turtles, Challah and Gypsum, were successfully released back into the Gulf of Mexico yesterday (April 18) after undergoing extensive rehabilitation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Challah, a juvenile green sea turtle, was found washed ashore on Redington Shores on Dec. 4, with predation injuries to their carapace and plastron, likely caused by a shark attack. Despite the injuries, Challah had a good body condition and no other abnormalities were found during initial diagnostics.
The rehabilitation process for Challah was lengthy due to the specialized wound care required, including bandage changes, routine debridement, and cold laser therapy. However, after months of dedicated care from CMA’s animal care staff, Challah’s injuries have fully healed, and they were cleared for release by CMA’s staff veterinarian and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Gypsum, a subadult green sea turtle, was discovered lethargic near south Anclote on Feb. 7. Gypsum’s carapace and head were covered in a significant amount of epibiota, including algae and barnacles, indicating a prolonged period of debilitation. Although Gypsum was also missing its right front flipper, it had fully healed and was unrelated to their stranding.
Initial diagnostics revealed gastrointestinal abnormalities, potentially caused by the ingestion of a foreign body. However, with the aid of gastrointestinal medications, Gypsum successfully passed monofilament on their own on March 8. Subsequently, Gypsum returned to normal without the need for further medication, and the initial abnormalities resolved. Following a thorough evaluation by CMA’s staff veterinarian and FWC, Gypsum was deemed healthy and ready for release.
“We are thrilled to see Challah and Gypsum return to their natural habitat,” said Dr. Shelly Marquardt, CMA’s staff veterinarian. “Their successful rehabilitation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care staff. We are proud to contribute to the conservation efforts of these endangered green sea turtles.”
The release of Challah and Gypsum marks another milestone in CMA’s ongoing commitment to the rehabilitation and conservation of marine life. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of inspiring the public to protect and preserve our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. CMA has many other sea turtles that visitors can see on site.
All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-23/24-172.
###
Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
© 2023 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-445-1139 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization