Sea Turtle Hospital Patient - Zodiac - Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Zodiac

Juvenile, Green (Chelonia mydas)

Patient Status: Released on April 24, 2018
Date Found: January 6, 2018
Location Found: Hernando, FL
Reason for Rescue: Found stranded on Hernando Beach in Hernando, FL

TRIAGE

Weight: 5.13 kg (11.3 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length): 34.5 cm (13.58 in)
Exam Findings: Lethargic but responsive; hypothermic; paps located in cranial quadrants.
Initial Treatment: Received fluids, vitamins, and iron.

ZODIAC’S STORY

On January 6, 2018, a juvenile green sea turtle was found stranded on Hernando beach in Hernando, Florida. It was brought to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for triage and an appropriate treatment. Upon closer examination, it was revealed that Zodiac was hypothermic and had fibropapilloma tumors located in the cranial quadrants. The vet team decided Zodiac was a good candidate for pap removal surgery as soon as his iron levels increased.

Naming Theme: Celestial

TREATMENT UPDATES:

2.27.18: Received pap removal surgery.
3.1.18: Started on eye drops.

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.