Zelda
- Patient Status
- Released on January 10, 2019
- Date Found
- November 8, 2018
- Location
- Anclote River; Tarpon Springs, FL; Pinellas County
- Reason for Rescue
- Line entanglement and fibropapilloma virus
Triage
- Weight
- 12.6 kg (27.7 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 47.0 cm
- Exam Findings
- Quiet but alert and good body condition. Monofilament line tightly wrapped around left front flipper. The flipper was swollen and there was a laceration present after removal. There also appeared to be a wound inside Zelda’s mouth but no hook present.
- Initial Treatment
- Received fluids, vitamins andanti-inflammatory medication.
Zelda’s Story
Zelda is a juvenile green sea turtle that was found entangled in a fishing line attached to a mile marker in the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs on November 8. Zelda had a fishing line tightly wrapped around the left front flipper where it also appeared swollen. After removal, there was a deep laceration present. Zelda also has the fibropapilloma virus with several tumors on its body, including the left eye.
What is the Fibropapilloma Virus?
Fibropapilloma virus is a virus found primarily in green sea turtles that causes tumors to grow externally on soft tissues, including eyes and flippers. Over time, these tumors can grow so big they block vision or cause a loss of mobility in the animal. Not a lot is known conclusively about the virus yet, but it is considered contagious amongst sea turtles. CMA is one of six rehabilitation centers in the state of Florida that is able to house and treat sea turtles with FP tumors.
- Naming Theme
- Games
TREATMENT UPDATES
- 11.9.18
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X-rays done.
- 11.10.18
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Bloodwork sent out to the lab, continuing to do blood glucose checks twice a day.
- 11.11.18
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Started on diet.
- 11.15.18
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CT Scan done.
- 11.18.18
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Started on antibiotics.
- 11.24.18
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Eating well, increased diet.
- 12.4.18
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Left front flipper was amputated due to severity of damage.
- 12.14.18
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Acclimating very well after surgery. Eating great!
- 12.25.18
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Seen resting on the bottom!
- 1.10.20
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Released at Fred Howard Park!
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 -18-172.