CLEARWATER, FL (March 17, 2025) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium released two green turtles, Fraser Fir and Oak, on Monday at Honeymoon Island State Park.
Fraser Fir, a juvenile green sea turtle, was rescued in February after being found floating in the intracoastal waterway near John’s Pass. Upon arrival at CMA, Fraser underwent a thorough examination and diagnostic testing by our veterinary team, with no abnormalities detected.
During rehabilitation, Fraser was gradually introduced to deeper water in swim tests. Within days, its buoyancy issues resolved, and Fraser was able to forage and rest comfortably at the bottom of the pool. Cleared for release by a CMA veterinarian and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fraser was ready to return to the wild.
Oak is a subadult green sea turtle who was rescued on March 7 after being found floating off the coast of Crystal River. Unable to submerge properly, Oak was brought to CMA for rehabilitation. Radiographs revealed gastrointestinal issues likely causing the buoyancy problem. Fortunately, after several successful defecations, Oak’s condition improved, allowing them to rest comfortably on the bottom. With a strong appetite and no abnormalities found in follow-up diagnostics, Oak was also cleared for release by a CMA veterinarian and FWC.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium remains committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life, as well as ongoing conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals.
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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.
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 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