Franklin
- Patient Status
- Former
- Date Found
- August 4, 2024
- Location
- New Port Richey; Pasco County
- Reason for Rescue
- Entanglement
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 6.53 kg (14.4 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 38.3 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. Moderate amount of fibropapilloma tumors present. Tumors on both eyes. Fishling line was wrapped around tumors.
- Initial Treatment
- Fluids and vitamins
Franklin’s Story
Franklin is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found entangled in fishing line near New Port Richey on August 4. The entanglement thankfully did not cause any injuries as it was mainly wrapped around their fibropapilloma tumors. Franklin has a moderate amount of fibropapilloma tumors present that will be addressed with our CO2 laser once they are healthy for surgery.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Hometowns (Franklin, OH)
Treatment Updates
- 8.5.24
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Franklin does exhibit minor buoyancy issues in water. We will monitor over the next few days and gradually increase their swim time as they improve. Franklin was placed in a shallow pool due to buoyancy issues.
- 8.7.24
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Franklin is able to be in a shallow pool all day and overnight. They are showing interest in food!
- 8.8.24
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We have slowly been incorporating deep water swimming. Franklin is now able to rest on the bottom! Their CT scan showed no obvious internal tumors.
- 8.17.24
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Franklin was started on antibiotics based on recent lab work.
- 9.5.24
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Franklin is continuing to eat well in our care. They are continuing on antibiotics.
- 9.28.24
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Due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene to our life support systems, all our sea turtle patients were transferred to Coastal Stewards to continue out their rehabilitation until our pools are fixed.
- 11.18.24
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Franklin has returned to CMA from Coastal Stewards to finish out the remainder of their rehabilitation. We will be assessing if they are ready for fibropapilloma removal surgery.
- 12.4.24
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Franklin went for a recheck CT to check for signs of disease progression prior to surgery. Unfortunately, Franklin developed internal tumors and was humanely euthanized.
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.