Yarra, Swiss and Kerplunk Go Back to the Big Blue
Three juvenile green sea turtles were released off Honeymoon Island State Park on September 6, 2018. All three turtles were cleared for release by veterinarians and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) after a few months of rehabilitation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Kerplunk
Kerplunk is a juvenile green turtle that was discovered floating in New Port Richey on July 24, 2018. During his initial intake he was in really good body condition and showed no signs of abnormalities. After further assessment, Kerplunk was demonstrating what seemed to be possible neurological issues. This observation led to discovering a possible infection and after the proper treatment he was foraging on his own and exhibiting normal sea turtle behaviors. After a couple short months, Kerplunk made a great turn around and was cleared for release by veterinarians and FWC.
Yarra
Yarra is a juvenile green sea turtle who was rescued by Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Rescue Team on May 31, 2018, from Citrus County. Yarra arrived with a small puncture wound on its neck and had minor external fibropapilloma virus tumors. Yarra was treated for her wound. After healing, Yarra was cleared for release by veterinarians and FWC.
Swiss
Swiss is a juvenile green sea turtle who was rescued by Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Rescue Team on April 27, 2018, from Pinellas County. Swiss arrived with almost 3kg of epibiota (barnacles, sponges, etc.) on carapace and multiple fibropapilloma virus tumors. Swiss had pap removal surgery on June 5, 2018. Now that she is healed, Swiss has been cleared for release by veterinarians and FWC.
We wish all three sea turtles best of luck back in the big blue!
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.