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Kirby the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Released With Satellite Tracker

Releases Released Animals Updated October 23, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019

225-Pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle Goes Home After Months of Rehab

Clearwater Marine Aquarium released Kirby, a 225-pound endangered loggerhead sea turtle, on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Kirby is an adult male sea turtle who was found floating near Indian Rocks Beach on January 29, 2019. CMA staff rescued Kirby and found a T-shaped wound on his head, several barnacles and algae on his carapace. He also had a buoyancy issue suspected to be caused by a GI tract problem.

Kirby, loggerhead sea turtle after being rescued

His treatment plan consisted of fluids, vitamins, antibiotics, and monitoring body temperature. Kirby steadily gained weight and his buoyancy improved. Visitors were able to view Kirby as he rehabilitated at CMA’s marine animal hospital and could watch him via his live webcam. After several months of rehabilitation, he fully recovered and was ready to return to the wild.

kirby, loggerhead turtle

Satellite Tracking to Help Protect Sea Turtles

Kirby was satellite tagged prior to release so Clearwater Marine Aquarium can evaluate his movements. Satellite tracking is beneficial for research purposes, including the migration of sea turtles, their foraging behavior and other information that can help conservation efforts to protect them. There is very limited data available on male sea turtles, and Kirby’s path will provide valuable data for researchers and veterinary teams following his release. However, sea turtle satellite trackers can cost over $5,000, so a Facebook fundraiser was created to help cover the cost. Over 170 supporters contributed and raised the money for Kirby’s tracker.

“Kirby’s release is both rewarding and emotional for our team who has worked hard for months on his rehabilitation,” says David Yates, CEO of CMA. “Seeing a rescued animal return home to the ocean where they belong is one of the best parts of our job.”

Kirby was cleared for release by both our veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). CMA staff, volunteers and supporters gathered at Clearwater Beach to see Kirby return home. We all wish him well back in the Gulf of Mexico and look forward to tracking his journey.

Kirby, loggerhead sea turtle released
Track Kirby’s Journey

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-19-172.

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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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