Sea Turtle Hospital Patient - Waffle Crisp - Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Waffle Crisp

Sub-adult, Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Patient Status: Released August 22, 2017
Date Found: May 26, 2017
Location Found: River Haven Marina, Homosassa, Citrus County, FL
Reason for Rescue: Found floating, emaciated with epibiota growth on the carapace

TRIAGE

Weight: 32.3 kg (71.2 lbs)
SCL ( Straight Carapace Length): 65.2 cm (25.67 in)
Exam Findings: Alert and active; thin body condition. Large amount of epibiota (barnacles) on the carapace (shell)
Initial Treatment: Received vitamins, antibiotics, and fluids

WAFFLE CRISP’S STORY

On May 26, 2017, a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was found floating offshore, covered in barnacles, and emaciated. The turtle was brought to shore and then to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for triage.

The public can help turtles like these by reporting any sick or injured sea turtles they see along the shoreline when at the beach, or out in the water when on a boat.

Naming Theme: Cereal
Fun Fact: The original bakers of Waffle Crisp cereal covered each individual piece of cereal like they were tiny waffles.

TREATMENT UPDATES

5.29.17: started on a daily regimen of antibiotics, fluids, glucose checks, and Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
5.30.17: Swim test in shallow water, slowly begin increasing time in shallow water.
6.1.17: Air removed from the turtle’s coelomic cavity. Food offered for the first time.
6.3.17: Started on a regular daily diet.
6.10.17: Started on oral medications, TPN discontinued. Slowly increasing time in deeper rehab pool.
7.27.17: Oral meds discontinued.
8.9.17: Waffle Crisp has been cleared for release!
8.22.17: After 89 days in rehab, Waffle Crisp was released at Honeymoon Island State Park, Pinellas County, FL. Good luck out there, Waffle Crisp!

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-17-172.