Cold-stunned Green Sea Turtles (Whitney Lab)
- 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
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Unfortunately one of these patients, Tampa, passed away overnight. A necropsy will be performed at a later time.
- 1.28.25
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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
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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
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Oldsmar unfortunately died overnight despite our best efforts. A necropsy will be completed at another time.
- 2.1.25
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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
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Coconut Creek is able to be in deep water and is doing great!
- 2.9.25
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9 patients have received a clean bill of health from our staff veterinarian. Coconut Creek is currently on oral antibiotics.
- 3.28.25
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Coconut Creek went for a CT scan. No concerns seen.
- 4.8.25
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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
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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.