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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Ivan

Releases Released Animals Updated May 20, 2021 Posted January 26, 2021

green sea turtle Ivan

Ivan

Juvenile, Green (Chelonia mydas)
green sea turtle Ivan
Patient Status
Released May 19, 2021
Date Found
January 16, 2021
Location
Gulfport; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
Found Floating

Initial Assessment

Weight
8.36 kg (18.4 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
36.5 cm
Exam Findings
Active and good body condition; there is a caudal carapace deformity.
Initial Treatment
Received vitamins & fluids.

Ivan’s Story

Ivan is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating off Gulfport in Pinellas County on January 16, 2021. Upon intake, it was noted that he has a caudal carapace (shell) deformity, possibly from a previous injury. Ivan’s initial treatment plan consists of vitamin injections and fluids.

Treatment Updates

1.18.21

Ivan was placed in water for a swim test. It was observed that he is buoyant and has trouble staying submerged. He was placed in a kiddie pool due to his floating behavior. We will continue to monitor and slowly increase Ivan’s swim time over the next few weeks.

We are continuing to do glucose checks and give fluids if needed.

1.24.21

Ivan is able to be in water all day and overnight! We are now slowly increasing his deep water swim time outside of the kiddie pool.

Ivan is starting to show interest in food and will start on a diet!

1.28.21

Ivan went for a routine CT scan. It was observed there is a spinal injury consistent with his caudal carapace injury. We will continue to monitor Ivan’s buoyancy issue.

2.4.21

Ivan has started resting on the bottom! This is very exciting news for his rehab progress!

Ivan is continuing to eat well, diet has been increased!

2.12.21

Ivan was started on oral antibiotics based on recent labwork.

He is continuing to eat well and is resting on the bottom!

4.27.21

Ivan is continuing on oral medications. He is continuing to rest on the bottom.

He is one of our current best eaters and loves his greens!

5.19.21

Ivan was released at Fort De Soto Beach!

Learn more about Ivan’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.

Previous Post: Green Sea Turtle Released at Clearwater Beach
Next Post: A ‘Crash Course’ in Training

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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