Zero
- Patient Status
- Former
- Date Found
- December 28, 2020
- Location
- Anclote Key; Pasco County
- Reason for Rescue
- Found Floating
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 4.29 kg (9.4 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 34.7 cm
- Exam Findings
- Quiet but responsive; low body temperature. Fibropapilloma tumors on both eyes.
- Initial Treatment
- Received vitamins, antibiotics & fluids.
Zero’s Story
Zero is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating near Anclote Key in Pasco County on December 28, 2020. At intake, Zero had a low body temperature which is related to the low water temperature of the local area. Over the next few days, Zero’s body temperature will be monitored as we gradually warm him up. Zero also has several fibropapilloma (pap) tumors, including on both eyes. Zero’s initial treatment includes vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids.
Treatment Updates
- 12.30.20
-
Zero’s body temperature is back to normal levels.
He was swim tested and due to his floating behavior, he was placed in a kiddie pool to help him achieve good breaths. Over the next few days, we will slowly increase Zero’s swim time
- 1.6.21
-
Zero went for a routine CT scan, and no obvious internal tumors seen!
He is also doing well in water as we are now slowly increasing his time in deep water out of the kiddie pool. He is now resting on the bottom!
He is eating well and his diet was increased.
- 1.8.21
-
Zero is able to be in deep water all day and overnight!
- 1.20.21
-
Zero is continuing to do well.
His diet has been increased!
- 2.15.21
-
A routine exam was completed on Zero. It was observed that Zero developed a pap tumor on his beak, near the mouth. Due to this disease progression, Zero was humanely euthanized.
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.