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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 – Rye

Released Animals Updated October 12, 2023 Posted September 27, 2023

Rye

Kemp's ridley, Juvenile (Lepidochelys kempii)
Patient Status
Released
Date Found
September 22, 2023
Location
Spring Hill; Hernando County
Reason for Rescue
Caught by a fisherman, hook ingestion

Initial Assessment

Weight
10.89 kg (23.9 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
42.6 cm
Exam Findings
Active, good body condition. The eye of the hook is visible during oral examination.
Initial Treatment
Vitamins antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and fluids.

Rye’s Story

Rye is a large juvenile Kemp’s ridley from the Spring Hill area who was accidentally caught by a fisherman and ingested a large fish hook. The fishing line was secured (taped) to the carapace to prevent further ingestion of the hook. The hook was successfully removed without the need for surgery by our staff veterinarian! We are hopeful for a quick recovery for Rye!

INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Bread

Treatment Updates

9.23.23

Rye was swim tested after the hook removal and showed no signs of abnormal swimming behavior.

9.26.23

Rye is in deep water all day and overnight. We have started to offer a small amount of squid daily.

10.5.23

Rye had a recheck exam this week, looks great physically, and is eating well! Rye has been received a clean bill of health from our staff veterinarian.

10.11.23

Rye was successfully released at Fred Howard Park.


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.

Previous Post: Monkey Bread, Juvenile Green Sea Turtle, Released Home at Fred Howard Park
Next Post: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Hosts Spooktacular Oct. 31

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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