Pico de Gallo
- Patient Status
- Released June 17, 2022
- Date Found
- May 21, 2022
- Location
- Cedar Key; Levy County
- Reason for Rescue
- Hook ingestion
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 2.34 kg (5.1 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 24.8 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. No external abnormalities. Portion of the hook is visible in the mouth on examination.
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamin injections, and fluids
Pico de Gallo’s Story
Pico is a juvenile, Kemp’s ridley from the Cedar Key area who was accidentally caught by a fisherman and ingested a fish hook. The fishing line was secured (taped) to the carapace (shell) to prevent further ingestion of the hook. The hook was successfully removed orally without the need for surgery by our staff veterinarian! We are hopeful for a quick recovery for Pico de Gallo!
INTERESTING FACT: Pico de Gallo is named under our Sauces theme!
Treatment Updates
- 5.24.22
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Pico ate for the first time and will start on a diet of squid only for a few days. This is typical protocol for hook removal patients since fish bones can cause irritation to the esophagus or GI tract. This will give time for any injuries to heal.
He is doing well in water daily and is in deep water all day and overnight.
- 5.30.22
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Pico is continuing to do well! We have updated his diet to include whole shrimp and is showing no issues!
- 6.8.22
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Pico is continuing to do well!
- 6.17.22
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Pico was released at Cedar Key!
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.