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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Papaya

Releases Updated March 29, 2022 Posted February 1, 2022

Papaya

Juvenile, green (Chelonia mydas)
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.

Previous Post: Dolphin Calf Successfully Disentangled!
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Brussels Sprout
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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