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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 – Haleakala

Releases Released Animals Updated March 17, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023

Haleakala

Green, Juvenile (Chelonia mydas)
Patient Status
Current
Date Found
December 28, 2022
Location
South Anclote Island; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
cold body temperature

Initial Assessment

Weight
3.34 kg (7.3 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
29.6 cm
Exam Findings
Good body condition. Cold body temperature, Minimal and small fibropapilloma tumors present.
Initial Treatment
Fluids.

Haleakala Valley’s Story

Haleakala is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found washed ashore on Anclote Island on December 28. Haleakala experienced acute hypothermia due to our local cold weather, and their body temperature was back to normal values the next day! Haleakala has minimal fibropapilloma tumors present. We are hopeful for a quick recovery!

INTERESTING FACT: Haleakala is named after Haleakala National Park in Hawaii, USA.

Treatment Updates

12.29.22

Haleakala is able to be in water all day and overnight! There are no concerning swimming behaviors being observed, and they are eating well!

1.3.23

Haleakala went for a CT scan, no obvious internal tumors seen!

1.17.23

Haleakala is continuing to eat well and is gaining weight! Haleakala will be ready for surgery soon!

2.11.23

Haleakala was placed under general anesthesia for fibropapilloma tumor removal surgery. All tumors were successfully removed! Haleakala is recovering well day after and already started eating! We will monitor these surgical sites for healing and regrowth over the next few weeks.

2.23.23

Haleakla has received a clean bill of health from our veterinarian!

3.2.23

Haleakala was successfully released at Honeymoon Island!


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.

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Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Cuyahoga Valley

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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