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Blog & News

Green Sea Turtle Release at Honeymoon Island – Apple Jacks

Released Animals Updated August 5, 2018 Posted November 1, 2017

Apple Jacks

Sub-adult, Green (Chelonia mydas)
Apple Jacks rehab
Release Date
November 1, 2017
Release Location
Honeymoon Island State Park

Apple Jacks, a sub-adult green sea turtle, was originally found February 28, 2017, in Lee County, FL with a large wound on the carapace, believed to be caused by a boat strike, as well as fibropapilloma tumors. These cauliflower-like tumors on the soft tissue of the sea turtle’s body are caused by a virus called fibropapillomatosis.

The following day the Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), located in Sanibel, FL, transferred Apple Jacks to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for triage and rehabilitation. We initially started a series of antibiotics, fluids and glucose checks; along with regular wound care and cold laser treatment for the injury on the carapace. Apple Jacks quickly started eating and had increased swim time. The first fibropapilloma tumor removal surgery was June 1 with a follow up October 20. Apple Jacks underwent deepwater swim testing earlier this month where we collected data every 15 minutes to determine how well Apple Jacks was able to adapt to the deep water. With positive results, we were pleased to announce that Apple Jacks was cleared for release by our Veterinary Team and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Apple Jacks, now weighing 82 pounds, was released at Honeymoon Island State Park on Wednesday, November 1. Good luck, Apple Jacks!

Apple Jacks rehab

Without each and every volunteer, intern, staff member, and supporter like you, releases like this would not be possible. Thank you all for your continued dedication and support of our mission.

Big and Small, CMA Helps Them All! Donate today to continue supporting our mission.


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-17-172.

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

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