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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patients – Whitney Lab Transfer January 2025

Sea Turtles Released Animals Updated April 25, 2025 Posted February 21, 2025

whitney lab turtles

Cold-stunned Green Sea Turtles (Whitney Lab)

Juvenile, Green (Chelonia mydas)
whitney lab turtles
Patients’ Status
Released
Transfer Date
January 24, 2025
Location
Flagler, St. Johns, and Nassau counties
Reason for Rescue
Cold-stunned.

Initial Assessment

Weight
No data
Exam Findings
Majority good body condition. Several have epibiota (barnacles and algae). Cold body temperatures and lethargic.
Treatment
Fluids

Their Story

On Jan. 25, CMA received 12 juvenile, green sea turtles from Whitney Lab Sea Turtle Hospital in St. Augustine, FL. These turtles were a part of a local cold-stun event that overwhelmed their sea turtle hospital. Upon arrival, majority of these patients were active and in good body condition. All patients received an exam by our staff veterinarian and starting swimming within a few days. Once these turtles recover, they will be released back on the east coast of Florida.

Interesting Fact: Naming theme: Hometowns (Ashburn, VA; Battle Creek, MI; Coconut Creek, FL; Hillsboro, OH; London, England; Oldsmar, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Pass-a-grille, FL; St. Cloud, MN; St. Pete, FL; Tampa, FL; Uniondale, NY)

Treatment Updates

1.24.25

Unfortunately one of these patients, Tampa, passed away overnight. A necropsy will be performed at a later time.

1.28.25

Majority of our patients have started eating. We are monitoring Coconut Creek’s and Oldsmar’s behavior’s in water as they appear more lethargic.

1.29.25

Oldsmar and Coconut Creek are being dry docked due to their concerning behaviors. We administered medications to help them improve and recover.

1.30.25

Oldsmar unfortunately died overnight despite our best efforts. A necropsy will be completed at another time.

2.1.25

Coconut Creek is showing much improvement in a kiddie pool. We will continue to monitor. All other patients are doing well and eating!

2.4.25

Coconut Creek is able to be in deep water and is doing great!

2.9.25

9 patients have received a clean bill of health from our staff veterinarian. Coconut Creek is currently on oral antibiotics.

3.28.25

Coconut Creek went for a CT scan. No concerns seen.

4.8.25

Coconut Creek has received a clean bill of health from our staff veterinarian! They are the last patient remaining of our Whitney Lab transfers.

4.10.25

Coconut Creek was successfully released on the east coast of Florida!


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.

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Wooster
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Aspen

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

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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.

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