Opal
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- May 7, 2024, December 4, 2025
- Location
- New Port Richey (2024); Holiday (2025), Pasco County
- Reason for Rescue
- Buoyant
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 10.9 kg (24 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 44.9 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. Small amount of fibropapilloma tumors present.
- Initial Treatment
- Fluids and vitamins
Opal’s Story
Opal is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was originally found floating with issues staying submerged in New Port Richey on May 7, 2024, rehabilitated and released on July 11, 2024.
On December 4, 2025, Opal was found floating near a power plant in Holiday, FL in Pasco County and brought back to CMA for rehabilitation. Our team was able to identify this turtle as Opal because they have metal flipper tags (containing identifying letters and numbers specifically assigned to her) and a PIT tag (similar to a microchip) that were applied prior to her release in 2024. This is why tagging is important as it helps us learn more about sea turtles and their migratory patterns and if a patient has been rehabilitated previously! Opal has grown in carapace length (48 cm) and weight (11.06 kg) since 2024!
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Gemstones + Minerals
Treatment Updates
- 5.7.24
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Opal is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating with issues staying submerged in New Port Richey on May 7th. Opal has a good body condition and minimal fibropapilloma tumors present. Our team will be performing diagnostics over the next few days to help determine the cause of their buoyancy issue. Opal’s initial treatment plan consists of fluids and vitamin injections.
- 5.8.24
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Opal’s first swim test did show buoyancy issues. They were placed in a shallow pool due to this behavior. We will continue to monitor. Radiographs revealed a lot of gastrointestinal gas.
- 5.10.24
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Opal’s CT scan showed internal abnormalities that could be GI related or potentially something more serious. We will continue to monitor defecations and do a recheck CT in a few weeks.
- 5.15.24
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Opal is able to be in deep water all day and overnight. They are continuing to rest at the surface and having issues staying submerged. We are continuing to do daily fluid therapy. They are defecating and also showing interest in food.
- 5.27.24
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Opal went for a recheck CT. The previous abnormalities seen have now resolved. Opal is still floating at the surface and having issues stayed submerged. They are continuing to eat well and have normal defecations.
- 6.7.24
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Opal is continuing to eat well. There have been some improvements in their dive patterns.
- 6.26.24
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Opal has been resting on the bottom consistently in the last week!
- 7.11.24
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Opal was cleared for release by our staff veterinarians and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and released into the wild.
- 12.4.25
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Opal was found floating near a power plant in Holiday, FL in Pasco county and brought back to CMA for rehabilitation. Our team was able to identify this turtle as Opal because they have metal flipper tags (contains identifying letters and numbers specifically assigned to her) and a PIT tag (similar to a microchip) that were applied prior to her release in May 2024. This is why tagging is important as it helps us learn more about sea turtles and their migratory patterns and if a patient has been rehabilitated previously! Opal has grown in carapace length (48 cm) and weight (11.06 kg) since 2024!
- 12.12.25
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Opal’s CT scan showed a lot of gastrointestinal gas that could be the cause of their buoyancy. They are eating majority of their diet. They are able to eat off the bottom but continuing to rest at the surface.
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.