• Skip to main content

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!

  • Rescue Map
  • Careers
    • Job Opportunities
    • Internships
  • Visit CMA
    • Visit Info
    • Tickets
    • Experience
    • Plan An Event
    • Learn
    • Webcams
  • News
    • Press & News
    • Press Releases
    • Rising Tides Announcement
    • Sea Turtle Patients
    • Sea Turtle Releases
    • Manatee Tracking
    • Rescue Stories
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Logo

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • What We Do
    • Rescue, Rehab, Release
    • Animal Care
    • Conservation & Research
    • Inspire The Human Spirit
  • Get Involved
    • Ways to Give
    • Save a Seat
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Careers & Internships
    • Wish Lists
    • Donate Now
  • Research Institute
    • Manatee Research
    • Manatee Tracking
    • Right Whale Research
    • Expeditions
    • Project Partners
    • Meet Our Researchers
  • Education & Resources
    • Educational Resources
    • Off-Site Programs
    • Education Station
    • Report An Animal
  • About
    • 50 Years of CMA
    • Corporate Partnerships
    • Board of Directors
    • Executive Leadership
    • Contact Us
    • Financial Reports
    • Press & News
  • Donate
Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Wilson

Rescue Releases Updated March 9, 2022 Posted February 11, 2022

Wilson

Juvenile, green (Chelonia mydas)
Patient Status
Released – March 9, 2022
Date Found
January 30, 2022
Location
Caladesi Island; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
Washed ashore; cold body temperature

Initial Assessment

Weight
1.24 kg (2.7 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
21.7 cm
Exam Findings
Cold body temperature, lethargic, thin
Initial Treatment
Vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids

Wilson’s Story

Wilson is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found washed ashore at Caladesi Island on January 30th with a cold body temperature. Pinellas County experienced a cold front that weekend, which can lead to an increase in strandings. Sea turtles are cold-blooded and rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature. Wilson was thin and lethargic on examination. Over the next few days, we monitored Wilson’s body temperature as we gradually warmed him back up to normal temperature levels. Wilson is also one of the smallest patients CMA has seen in several months!

INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Sitcom Characters (Home Improvement)

Treatment Updates

2.1.22

Wilson was swim tested for the first time. Due to his lethargy, he was placed in a shallow kiddie pool to help him achieve good breaths. We will slowly increase his swim time as he improves. Radiographs taken show that Wilson could also be battling pneumonia.

2.5.22

Wilson is able to be in a shallow kiddie pool all day! We are continuing to monitor his appetite.

2.7.22

Wilson has not been showing interest in food. Our team has started tube feeding Wilson to help him gain weight and to provide appropriate nutrition needed to help him improve.

2.23.22

Wilson has been eating on his own for several days! He is also now able to be in deep water all day and overnight!

3.2.22

Wilson has gained weight and is continuing to improve and do well! He has received a clean bill of health from our staff veterinarian.

3.9.22

Wilson was successfully released at Honeymoon Island!


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.

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Brussels Sprout
Next Post: Manatee Tracking – Marduk

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

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe

Shop • Careers & Internships • Contact


Visit Us

Buy Tickets • Watch Webcams • Camps • Upcoming Events



© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

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.

  • What We Do
  • Get Involved
  • Research Institute
  • Education & Resources
  • About
  • Visit CMA
  • Membership
  • Careers
  • Donate
  • Blog & News
  • Rescue Map