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Blog & News

Ditched by Mother Nature, Two Sea Turtles Returned to Gulf by Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Press Releases Announcements Posted December 6, 2024

Two sea turtles were released at Fred Howard Park yesterday

CLEARWATER, FL (Dec. 6, 2024)  –  Clearwater Marine Aquarium released two sea turtles, Odessa and Philly, Thursday morning at Fred Howard Park after they were found out of their natural habitat swimming in ditches.

Odessa, a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was found swimming in a ditch about two miles inland on Nov. 11 in Crystal River. Philly, a juvenile green sea turtle, was found swimming in a ditch Nov. 30 in Dixie County. These turtles were possibly displaced due to recent hurricanes and subsequent flooding.

During their short rehabilitation stay at CMA, all diagnostics showed Odessa and Philly were otherwise healthy. CMA is excited to share that they were returned to the Gulf of Mexico Thursday morning with the assistance of the Fred Howard Park rangers.

Just yesterday, CMA admitted another turtle to rehabilitation that was found in a ditch in Dixie County. It is undergoing veterinary examinations and further diagnostics to assess for health abnormalities. This turtle, as was Philly, was rescued by the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue team.

Multiple sea turtles as well as manatees have been found inland after the severe storm surge of Hurricane Helene.

The public can call Clearwater Marine Aquarium at (727) 441- 1790 ext. 1 if displaced wildlife is sighted.

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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.

© 2024 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

Previous Post: CMARI Sights First North Atlantic Right Whale Mom and Calf Pair
Next Post: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Hosts Breakfast with Santa Dec. 21

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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