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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 – Enchilada

Releases Released Animals Updated June 24, 2022 Posted March 19, 2022

Enchilada

Juvenile, green (Chelonia mydas)
Patient Status
Released June 23, 2022
Date Found
February 28, 2022
Location
Palm Coast; Flagler County
Reason for Rescue
lethargic, found floating

Initial Assessment

Weight
3.2 kg (6.4 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
32.2 cm
Exam Findings
Lethargic and thin. Missing right rear flipper but not related to stranding
Initial Treatment
Antibiotics and fluids

Enchilada’s Story

Enchilada is a juvenile green sea turtle who was washed ashore in Flagler County on Feb 28th and taken to Whitney Laboratory. Enchilada was transferred to CMA on March 2nd from Volusia County Marine Science Center to help free up space for more local strandings in that area. Enchilada appears debililated at examination. She is also missing her right rear flipper, however, that is unrelated to stranding as it is completely healed. Enchilada’s initial treatment consists of antibiotics and fluids.

INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Sauces

Treatment Updates

3.4.22

Enchilada is doing well in water. She was initially placed in a shallow kiddie pool due to her lethargy to help her achieve good breaths. We are slowly increasing swim time as she improves. Enchilada is showing interest in food!

3.9.22

Enchilada is continuing to eat well and has been started on a diet!

3.18.22

Enchilada is continuing to eat well and improve! We have been scrubbing Enchilada’s carapace daily with betadine to help encourage healing.

3.28.22

Enchilada had a routine exam completed. She is gaining weight and continuing to improve! We are hopeful for a release in the near future.

4.25.22

Enchilada was started on oral antibiotics based on recent labwork.

6.2.22

Enchilada is off medications!

6.23.22

Enchilada was released on the East Coast of Florida!

Learn more about Enchilada’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-21/22-172A.

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – French
Next Post: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Announces Manatee Survival Plan

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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