Three New Sea Turtle Rescues at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea!

From July 1st-4th, Gulf Specimen Marine Lab received three new sea turtle patients, two juvenile kemp's ridleys, and one juvenile green sea turtle. The two kemps ridley sea turtles, named Scuttle and Puddle, were caught by recreational fishermen on the St George Island Fishing Pier on Friday, July 1st. Puddle's hook was able to be removed on the bridge, but Scuttle's hook had to be removed in our sea turtle hospital. Both turtles are currently on display in our aquarium, where they will be closely monitored. Topical antibiotics are applied to their wounds daily.

Although Puddle's hook was able to be removed on-site, it is still very important that she was brought to Gulf Specimen for rehabilitation. She is very skinny and slightly dehydrated. We also noticed an old wound underneath her chin that we are treating with daily antibiotics. If she was simply dehooked and released, she might not have survived. If you happen to catch a sea turtle while fishing please do not try and remove the hook if it is swallowed or deep in the mouth. Cut the line about two feet away from the hook and contact the local FWC or rehabilitation facility! DO NOT lift the turtle out of the water by the hook! This can be fatal.

Our green sea turtle rescue, named Barnacle Bill, was found floating offshore by a few fishermen who brought her to us. We believe she may have an impaction in her intestines that is causing air to build up which is forcing her to float at the surface. She is very lucky to be found by these fishermen. The holiday weekend increased boat traffic and floating sea turtles are at extreme risk for boat strikes. She is currently being monitored closely in our quarantine tank. All three sea turtles will be taken to Shepherd Springs Animal Hospital for x-rays and diagnosis. Please remember to always keep a look out for wildlife in the water, especially during nesting season when sea turtles are known to be closer to shore. If you find a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle, please call FWC's 24-hour Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

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