Xander
- Patient Status
- Released – January 20, 2022
- Date Found
- July 16, 2021
- Location
- Anclote Key; Pasco County
- Reason for Rescue
- Found entangled in fishing line
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 7.1 kg (16 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 38.6 cm
- Exam Findings
- Sustained minor injuries from fishing line entanglement.
- Initial Treatment
- Received vitamins & fluids.
Xander’s Story
Xander is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found entangled in fishing line near Anchlote Key on July 16, 2021. Upon rescue, it was also discovered that Xander was also dragging a fishing pole. It is important to remember to always properly dispose of your fishing gear as line could cause serious bodily injuries and possible amputations! Fortunately all fishing line was removed from around his neck and both front flippers. Xander’s initial treatment consists of vitamin injections and fluids.
Treatment Updates
- 7.16.21
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Xander was swim tested for the first time! He well in water and is showing no buoyancy behaviors.
- 7.18.21
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Xander is starting to show interest in food!
He is able to be in deep water all day.
- 7.21.21
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Xander went for a CT scan and no obvious internal tumors seen!
- 8.5.21
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Xander was cleared to have his first pap removal surgery! His eye tumors and other skin tumors were successfully removed. The several remaining tumors will be removed at a later time as he improves. We will monitor Xander for tumor regrowth and his surgical sites for healing.
Xander will be placed on medicated eye drops to help the eyes heal.
- 8.8.21
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Xander is recovering well from surgery!
His appetite is great.
Xander was started on oral antibiotics and antifungals.
- 9.9.21
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Xander is healing well post-surgery.
He recently had a routine exam and hopefully will be ready for his second surgery soon!
- 9.15.21
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Xander went for a recheck CT scan. No signs of disease progression internally!
Xander is ready for his second surgery!
- 10.14.21
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Xander successfully had all remaining pap tumors removed! We will be monitoring the surgical sites for healing and regrowth over the next few weeks.
- 11.4.21
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There are a few areas of regrowth seen on Xander’s recent exam. We will continue to monitor those sites.
- 12.8.21
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Xander underwent another pap removal surgery to address areas of regrowth. He is recovering well!
- 12.28.21
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Xander’s latest physical exam went well! No concerns observed.
- 1.13.22
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Xander has received a clean bill of health from our veterinarian!
- 1.20.22
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Xander was successfully released at Honeymoon Island!
Learn more about Xander’s release!
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-19-172.