Double Sea Turtle Release – Falcon and Flash

Falcon, a juvenile green sea turtle, was found floating in the Gulf of Mexico near the Sand Key Park area of Clearwater on January 30, 2016 by some good Samaritans. Falcon came to CMA with a mild form of fibropapillomatosis (with only a few tumors on the base of the rear flippers), and mild dehydration. Falcon also had a cold body temperature, making her a part of Operation Cold Stun.

Falcon bounced back quickly though, after being given some fluids, vitamins and antibiotics.  Initial triage also included an X-ray, to ensure Falcon did not ingest any foreign objects.  Falcon’s X-ray was clear, so she was offered swim time, and while she floated initially, she was deemed capable of handling deep water all the time and was found resting on the bottom of her habitat within days.  We offered food to her on her third day of rehabilitation and she ate on her own right away!  We have been steadily increasing her diet ever since.

Our resident veterinarian, Dr. Shelly Marquardt, has been pleased with her steady improvement in health and behavior and on February 25, 2016, cleared Falcon for release. Falcon will be flying high when she is released, so wish her blue skies and clam waters as she goes home!

Flash, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was found on June 23, 2015, five miles offshore of Hernando Beach.  Flash had a fishing hook caught in his mouth, which was connected to a four-foot-long fishing pole.  After hook removal surgery and months of regular wound care, Flash has made a full recovery and was cleared for release.

Watch the double sea turtle release video: