Austin
- Patient Status
- Released
- Date Found
- June 10, 2024
- Location
- Near Gandy bridge; Hillsborough county
- Reason for Rescue
- Buoyant
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 18.95 kg (42 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 52.5 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. Deformities to caudal end of carapace from a previous traumatic event.
- Initial Treatment
- Fluids and vitamins
Austin’s Story
Austin is a large, juvenile green sea turtle who was found floating near the Gandy bridge in Hillsborough county. Austin is missing their right rear flipper and has a partial amputation to the left rear flipper. They also have deformities to their caudal carapace, all are healed and from a previous traumatic event. Our team will be performing diagnostics over the next few days to help determine the cause of their buoyancy issues.
INTERESTING FACT: Hometowns! Austin is the first sea turtle patient under this naming theme. Our team will be using hometowns of rehab team members: staff, volunteers, and our interns. Austin is named after Austin, TX.
Treatment Updates
- 6.12.24
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Austin’s swim test does confirm buoyancy issues and is almost vertical when resting. They are able to reach the bottom of their pool but cannot stay submerged when swimming.
- 6.14.24
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They are showing interest in food and went for a routine CT scan. Based on CT scan, they were started on medications to assist in gastrointestinal motility.
- 7.16.24
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Austin was transferred to Florida Aquarium for a deep water swim trial to assess their buoyancy disorder. Over the next two weeks their staff will be recording ethograms (behavior logs) regarding Austin’s swimming, diving, resting, and foraging behaviors in deeper water.
- 8.6.24
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Austin has returned from their deep water swim trial. Their behavior logs are being evaluated by our staff veterinarian and FWC.
- 8.9.24
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Austin passed their deep water swim test! They were able to rest on the bottom and showed no issues with foraging.
- 8.12.24
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Austin was successfully released offshore in Pinellas county!
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-23/24-172.