Aphrodite

Initial Assessment

Aphrodite

Green, Juvenile (Chelonia mydas)

Patient Status: Current
Date Found: June 12, 2026

Location: Boca Grande; Lee county

Reason for Rescue: floating

Weight: 14.64 kg
SCL (Straight Carapace Length): 46.7 cm
Exam Findings: Good body condition. Deformity to their caudal carapace from a previous traumatic event.
Initial Treatment: fluids

Aphrodite

Aphrodite is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating and having difficulty staying submerged in Lee county. Aphrodite is in good body condition. They do have a carapace deformity that causes a “hump-like” appearance. This could have been caused potentially by some sort of trauma as there is an old injury that is healed. Sea turtles with these types of defomities typically have buoyancy issues so we will monitor their swimming behaviors over time and perform diagnostics to help see the cause of their buoyancy.

Naming Theme: Greek Mythology

Treatment Updates

6.13.26: Aphrodite’s first swim test does show buoyancy issues. They were having difficulty staying submerged when attempting to dive. They have been seen defecating as well.
6.16.26: Aphrodite is able to be in water all day and overnight. They are starting to be able to dive deeper in their pool! They are continuing on fluid therapy.
6.26.26: Aphrodite has been resting on the bottom the last week! This is great news for their buoyancy disorder. Aphrodite has continued to have abnormal defecations. A colonoscopy was performed today to better assess their GI abnormalities that were seen on CT. We will continue to monitor their defecations, start offering a small amount of squid, and potentially treat with GI motility medications.

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-25/26-172.