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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Flip

Former Patients Updated October 18, 2019 Posted September 19, 2019

Flip, sea turtle in rehab

FLIP

Juvenile, Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Flip, sea turtle in rehab
Patient Status
Released on October 16, 2019.
Date Found
September 10, 2019
Location
Hudson, Pasco County, Florida.
Reason for Rescue
Hook ingestion.

TRIAGE

WEIGHT:
2.98 kg (6.56 lbs).
SCL (STRAIGHT CARAPACE LENGTH):
28.2 cm.
EXAM FINDINGS:
Alert and active. The fishing hook was attached to a line coming from her mouth. She is missing her right rear flipper but it is completely healed.
INITIAL TREATMENT:
Received fluids, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory medications.

FLIP’S STORY

Flip is a juvenile Kemp’s ridley who was caught by a fisherman in Hudson, FL, in Pasco County. She arrived at CMA on September 10, 2019. X-rays revealed the circle hook was not too far down the esophagus and was successfully removed without surgery! However, the fishing line was cut at her mouth prior to her arrival. We recommend that the fishing line be left long and taped to the turtle’s carapace (shell) to prevent any further ingestion. We are optimistic for a quick recovery for Flip!

Read more about safe fishing gear tips to help protect sea turtles!

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TREATMENT UPDATES

9.11.19

Placed in a pool in our rehab area and is swimming very well!

9.14.19

Ate all of sample diet offered! Will start on diet tomorrow!

9.17.19

Went for CT scan and did well.

9.23.19

Continuing to eat well.

10.11.19

Flip has received a clean bill of health from our vet team! Cleared for release by FWC.

10.16.19

Released at Fred Howard Park!


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-18-172.

Previous Post: Nitro, a 128-Pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle Released Off Clearwater Beach
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Ezra
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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