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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

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Releases Big Bend, the 13th Rehabilitated Sea Turtle This Year

Releases Released Animals Updated July 20, 2023 Posted April 13, 2023

Green sea turtle released at Honeymoon Island on April 13, 2023.

Big Bend

On Thursday, April 13, Clearwater Marine Aquarium released a green sea turtle, Big Bend, back into the wild on Honeymoon Island State Park after almost two months of rehabilitation.

Big Bend sea turtle release
Big Bend being released.

Big Bend, a subadult green sea turtle, was found floating offshore Lee County in Fort Myers on Feb. 23. At 43 pounds, he was underweight, buoyant and had fibropapilloma tumors. Fibropapilloma can affect any part of the sea turtle and in severe cases can impact their ability to swim and find food.

Sea turtles requiring rehabilitation in Lee county are usually sent to partners at Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium, but due to limited space, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asked CMA to assist with rehabilitation.

After a course of antibiotics and a healthy diet, Big Bend started to gain weight and the buoyancy resolved. Big Bend was cleared for release by CMA’s veterinarian and FWC.


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-21/22-172A.

Previous Post: Clearwater Marine Aquarium to Welcome Rescued Rough-Toothed Dolphin
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Theodore Roosevelt

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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