Howie
- Patient Status
- Released October 27,2021
- Date Found
- September 6, 2021
- Location
- Pass-a-Grille; Pinellas County
- Reason for Rescue
- Found Floating
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 20.8 kg (45.9 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 54.3 cm
- Exam Findings
- Neurological symptoms observed at intake; overall good body condition. Injuries to carapace (shell).
- Initial Treatment
- Received vitamins, antibiotics & fluids.
Howie’s Story
Howie is a subadult Kemp’s ridley who was found floating near Pass-a-Grille on September 6, 2021. Upon rescue and intake, Howie was showing neurological symptoms most likely due to red tide exposure. She does have previous injuries to her carapace (shell), but they are not severe. Howie’s initial treatment consisted of fluids and IV nutrition to aid in flushing out the toxins.
INTERESTING FACT: She is a part of our new naming theme: Sitcom Characters. Howie is from the Big Bang Theory!
Treatment Updates
- 9.8.21
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Howie was swim tested for the first time in one of our ICU pools. Her swimming was uncoordinated as she still has neurological symptoms. We will retry monitored swimming again over the next few days after more treatments.
- 9.24.21
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Howie was moved to one of our deeper rehab pools this week! She is in deep water all day and overnight. She is continuing to swim well and is resting on the bottom!
We are continuing to monitor her appetite.
- 10.11.21
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Howie is eating well! She has received a clean bill of health from our veterinarian!
- 10.27.21
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Howie was released in Fort Myers!
Learn more about Howie’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-19-172.