Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Release – Norbert

Norbert, a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was brought to Clearwater Marine Aquarium on May 26, 2016 after being caught on a hook off of Pier 60. Clearwater’s popular Pier 60 is one of the few piers around the state of Florida involved with the Responsible Pier Initiative Program. Fortunately, Norbert was rescued using this equipment by one of the pier’s volunteer fisherman. Upon intake, it was noted that the hook was visible through the mouth but was otherwise in great overall body condition.

The following day, Norbert was X-rayed (to assess depth and positioning of the hook) and underwent a successful hook removal surgery. Post-hook removal treatment included vinegar rinses, which were performed daily, TPN (total parenteral nutrition) administered intravenously, and periodic endoscopic procedures to assess the healing of the esophagus. Norbert’s rehabilitation was rapidly progressing. He was able to rest on the bottom of his rehab pool and quickly picked up eating on his own, favoring squid rings!

Watch the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle release video: