Crater
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- August 31, 2022
- Location
- Homosassa, FL; Citrus County
- Reason for Rescue
- Floating
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 2.04 kg (4.5 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 27.4 cm
- Exam Findings
- Active, large tumor on right front flipper, and small tumors on both eyes
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamin injections and fluids
Crater’s Story
Crater is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found floating offshore near Homosassa in Citrus County on August 31. Crater has a very large fibropapilloma tumor on the right front flipper and several smaller tumors around the skin.
INTERESTING FACT: Crater is named after Crater Lake in Oregon, USA.
Treatment Updates
- 9.1.22
-
On Crater’s first swim test, he exhibited buoyancy issues and had trouble submerging. He was placed in a shallow kiddie pool, and we will slowly increase his swim time as he improves
- 9.6.22
-
Crater is able to be in water all day and overnight! We have started to offer food, and we are monitoring his appetite. We are continuing to do glucose checks twice a day and giving fluids as needed.
- 9.8.22
-
Crater went for a routine CT scan. No obvious internal tumors were seen! We are slowly incorporating deep water swim time for Crater. He is still buoyant at this time.
- 9.14.22
-
Crater’s condition started to decline earlier this week. Despite life saving efforts, we are saddened to say that Crater died on their own. A necropsy was performed to learn more about Crater’s case.
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-21/22-172A.