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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Baby Sea Turtles Rescued From Swimming Pool

Rescue Conservation Rehabilitation Updated July 9, 2019 Posted September 13, 2018

baby sea turtle hatchling

Meet the Pool Boys

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is currently rehabilitating several baby loggerhead sea turtles. A number of these hatchlings, nicknamed “The Pool Boys,” were recently rescued after being discovered inside a swimming pool filter in Indian Shores, Florida. The baby sea turtles are recovering well, however given their fragile state they are still in critical condition.

baby sea turtle hatchling

Family Helps Save Sea Turtles

The rescued hatchlings were found in the swimming pool by a family visiting the area on vacation from Iowa. They rented a house by the beach in Indian Shores and were enjoying the swimming pool when they noticed one of the tiny sea turtles floating near them. Then they found a few more trapped in the pool filter.

The family removed the baby turtles from the pool and checked the nearby beach to see if there was any trace of where they came from. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on Gulf Coast Beaches from May to October and the hatchlings can often become disoriented after leaving their nest. Lighting from beachfront properties and streets can turn them in the wrong direction when they are naturally drawn toward the light from the moon’s reflection on the water.

Learn how to use sea turtle-friendly lighting near nesting beaches.  

baby sea turtle hatchling

After removing the baby turtles from the pool and seeing that many of them appeared lethargic and weak, they called the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Rescue Hotline for instructions on what to do with them. The family had previously visited the rescue center during a visit to Clearwater and learned about our mission to rescue, rehab and release marine life, so they knew to contact CMA for help. The CMA Rescue Team arrived and transported the hatchlings back to the animal hospital for treatment. The family was very excited to find them in time and be part of their rescue!

baby sea turtle hatchling

You can visit these adorable baby sea turtles while they recover at Clearwater Marine Aquarium or watch them on the live baby sea turtle webcam!

New Family Memberships now available. Become a member in September and receive three extra months free!

baby sea turtle hatchling

We hope to see these baby sea turtles out in the Gulf when they are ready and cleared for release by CMA veterinarians and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

baby sea turtle hatchling
Watch Webcam

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-18-172.

Previous Post: Three Juvenile Green Sea Turtles Released
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Kobia

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.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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