Tzatziki
- Patient Status
- Released
- Date Found
- July 2, 2022
- Location
- Cedar Key; Levy County
- Reason for Rescue
- Hook ingestion
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 3.22 kg (7 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 27.7 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition and very active! No external abnormalities. Portion of the hook is visible in the mouth on examination.
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamin and fluids
Tzatziki‘s Story
Tzatziki is a juvenile, Kemp’s ridley from Cedar Key area who was accidentally caught by a fisherman and ingested a fish hook. The fishing line was secured (taped) to the carapace 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 Tzatziki!
INTERESTING FACT: Tzatziki received their name by inspiration of a Greek sauce as a part of our sauce name category!
Treatment Updates
- 7.3.22
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Tzatziki recovered well from the hook removal. He is very active in water! We will be continuing to do glucose checks and giving fluids as needed.
- 7.6.22
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Tzatziki was offered food for this first time, squid only, and ate all quickly! We will be offering only squid for a few days since fish bones can cause irritation to the esophagus or GI tract. This will give time for any possible injuries from the hook to heal.
- 7.14.22
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Tzatziki is continuing to do well and has received a clean bill of health from our veterinarian!
- 8.10.22
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Tzatziki was successfully released at Seahorse Key in Levy County with the assistance of University of Florida!
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.