| GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LABORATORIES |
Meet "Spot the Magnificent"
Of the seven species of sea turtles, Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered. Currently, Gulf Specimen Marine Lab is working on rehabilitating a once, very sick, Kemp's Ridley back to health. Because of a dazzling spot on the scutes of his shell, we have named him Spot the Magnificent!
Spot came to us through a local fisherman. As he was out on his dock, he found the sea 
turtle floating on the surface of the water. Sea turtles are reptiles and they need air to breathe, although they can hold their breath for an extended period of time. When they are sick, they will float on the surface of the water in order to ensure breath. At this sight, the fisherman called Jack Rudloe, who then brought the sea turtle back to the lab.
Spot was not eating and was barely able to swim. We took him to Dr. Griggs, our veterinarian, for examination. This was when we found out he had a respiratory ailment and was malnourished. Dr. Griggs wanted to keep Spot for careful observation, and he remained at the vet's office for a week. During that time, a feeding tube was inserted in the top of his head leading to his stomach.
We have been working with Spot for the past month. Each day, he gets a tube of blended crab meat and fish fillet fed to him. He also gets two shots of different antibiotics every other day. Along with this, we are trying to get him to eat on his own. Recently, we had a triumph! Spot ate his first blue crab in months!
However, Spot still has a ways to go until he is fully recovered. Please help us help him, and other sea turtles like him by contributing to our sea turtle fund. Thank you for your support and we invite you to come out and visit Spot as he makes his way towards recovery!
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