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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Ruffles

Released Animals Updated June 28, 2024 Posted March 25, 2024

Ruffles

Green, Juvenile (Chelonia mydas)
Patient Status
Released
Date Found
March 9, 2024
Location
Cocoa Beach; Brevard county
Reason for Rescue
Floating

Initial Assessment

Weight
11.9 kg (26.2 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
48.3 cm
Exam Findings
Good body condition. Fibropapilloma tumors present.
Initial Treatment
Fluids and vitamins

Ruffle’s Story

Ruffles is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found floating near Cocoa Beach in Brevard county on March 9. Due to space limitations, Ruffles was transferred to CMA on March 10 to continue out the remainder of their rehabilitation. Ruffles has a relatively good body condition and a moderate load of fibropapilloma tumors present. Ruffles initial treatment plan consists of vitamins and fluids.

INTERESTING FACT: Name was given by Brevard Zoo

Treatment Updates

3.11.24

Ruffles first swim test went well. There were no concerning behaviors seen in water. We will increase their swim time as they improve.

3.13.24

Ruffles is able to be in water all day and overnight. We are gradually increasing their deep water swim time as well. We are continuing to do glucose checks and giving fluids as needed.

3.15.24

Able to be in deep water all day and overnight.

3.19.24

We have started offering a diet the last several days and is eating well.

4.3.24

Ruffles is doing well and is ready for surgery.

4.12.24

Ruffles successfully had the majority of their fibropapilloma tumors removed. We are monitoring their recovery.

4.16.24

Ruffles is eating well post surgery.

5.21.24

Ruffles is continuing to do well post surgery! Their surgical sites are almost fully healed.

6.7.24

Ruffles has received a clean bill of health from our staff veterinarian!

6.12.24

Ruffles was released at Ormond Beach in Volusia county!


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.

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We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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