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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Chandler

Releases Released Animals Updated August 19, 2021 Posted August 10, 2021

Kemp's ridley sea turtle

Chandler

Sub-Adult, Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Kemp's ridley sea turtle
Patient Status
Released August 18, 2021
Date Found
August 1, 2021
Location
Belleair Beach; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
Stranded on Beach

Initial Assessment

Weight
22.63 kg (49.8 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
54.8 cm
Exam Findings
Neurological symptoms observed at intake; overall good body condition. No other external abnormalities.
Initial Treatment
Received vitamins, antibiotics & fluids.

Chandler’s Story

Chandler is a subadult Kemp’s ridley who was found stranded on Belleair Beach on August 1, 2021. Upon rescue and intake, Chandler was showing neurological symptoms due to red tide exposure. Chandler’s intial treatment consisted of fluids and IV nutrition to aid in flushing out the toxins.

INTERESTING FACT: She is a part of our new naming theme: Sitcom Characters. Chandler is from Friends!

Treatment Updates

8.2.21

Chandler was swim tested for the first time. Her swimming was uncoordinated as she still has neurological symptoms. We will retry monitored swimming again over the next few days after more treatments.

8.5.21

Chandler went for a routine CT scan. No issues were seen!

She is able to be in deep water half of the day and neurological symptoms are gradually improving.

8.8.21

Chandler is able to be in deep water all day and overnight! She is resting on the bottom.

We are continuing to offer her food daily and monitoring her appetite.

8.18.21

Chandler was released at Fred Howard Park!

Learn more about Chandler’s release.


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.

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Alexis Rose
Next Post: Four Sea Turtles Released at Fred Howard Park

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

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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