Papaya
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- December 31, 2021
- Location
- Anastasia State Park; St. John’s County
- Reason for Rescue
- Entanglement
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 3.87 kg (8.5 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 32.6 cm
- Exam Findings
- Slightly thin, alert, fibropapilloma tumors on both eyes
- Initial Treatment
- Fluids
Papaya’s Story
Papaya is a juvenile green sea turtle who was stranded and entangled at Anastasia State Park in St. John’s County on December 31, 2021. Papaya was transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium from Whitney Lab on January 19 to continue her rehab care. Papaya has fibropapilloma tumor (pap tumor) on both eyes and several small tumors on her flippers. Papaya is slightly thin on examination, and her initial treatment at CMA consists of fluids.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme (Whitney Lab’s): Green food
Treatment Updates
- 1.22.22
-
Papaya is doing well in our care! She is able to be in deep water all day and overnight and is eating well!
- 1.28.22
-
Papaya went for a CT scan. No abnormalities seen! Papaya is ready for surgery.
- 2.11.22
-
Papaya successfully had all her fibropapilloma tumors removed! Over the next few weeks we will be monitoring the healing process of those surgical sites and for regrowth of tumors. Papaya was also started on medicated eye drops to help the eyes heal.
- 2.24.22
-
Papaya is healing well post surgery! She is continuing to eat well!
- 3.4.22
-
Papaya has received a clean bill of health from our veterinarian!
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-21/22-172A.