Walnut

Initial Assessment

Walnut

Green, Juvenile (Chelonia mydas)

Patient Status: Current
Date Found: April 18, 2025

Location: Maderia Beach; Pinellas County

Reason for Rescue: Floating

Weight: 2.68 kg (5.8 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length): 32.8 cm
Exam Findings: Very thin body condition. Fibropapilloma tumors on both eyes.
Initial Treatment: fluids, vitamin injections, and antibiotics

Walnut’s Story

Walnut is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating near Madeira Beach on April 18. Walnut has a very thin body condition at intake examination and a minor load of fibropapilloma tumors present. Their initial treatment plan consists of antibiotics and fluid therapy.

INTERESTING FACT: Walnut’s naming theme: Trees!

Treatment Updates

4.20.25: Walnut did exhibit floating behaviors on their first swim test. They were placed in a shallow kiddie pool. They are quite active in comparison to their body condition! We will gradually increase their swim time over the next few days.
4.24.25: Walnut is able to be in a kiddie pool all day and overnight! They are starting to show interest in food. Their CT scan showed some lung abnormalities that we will continue to monitor.
4.29.25: We have started to slowly incorporate deep water swim time for Walnut.
5.30.25: Walnut underwent a procedure under general anesthesia to trim their plastron (bottom shell) to encourage proper healing. They are recovering well! Their lung abnormalities on their recheck CT showed much improvement!

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-25/26-172.