Initial Assessment
Madre
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- May 11, 2025
- Location
- New Port Richey; Pasco county
- Reason for Rescue
- Floating
- Weight
- 34.6 kg (76 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 67.0 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. Old injury to the caudal carapace. Small fibropapilloma tumors present.
- Initial Treatment
- fluids and vitamin injections
Madre’s Story
Madre is a subadult, green sea turtle who was found floating near New Port Richey on May 11. They were reported to have issues staying submerged. Madre has a previous injury to their carapace likely from a boat strike. Over the next several days, we will be performing diagnostics to help figure out the cause of their buoyancy.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Stranded on Mother’s Day!
Treatment Updates
- 5.12.25
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Madre does exhibit buoyancy issues on their first swim test. We will continue to monitor.
- 5.16.25
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Madre’s CT scan showed concerning gastrointestinal abnormalities. They are on fluid therapy and antibiotics. We are monitoring defecations
- 5.28.25
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Madre’s recheck CT and radiographs in the last week show some improvement to the GI. Their prognosis is still guarded at this time. We are continuing to monitor their buoyancy, appetite, and defecations.
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-25/26-172.