COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The Director of Environmental Science at Conservancy of Southwest Florida feels mixed emotions when he witnesses two adult female loggerheads return to the ocean after being rehabilitated for several months while standing on the shoreline.
In March, a loggerhead sea turtle was discovered in a distressed state on Vanderbilt Beach. She was dehydrated, covered in barnacles, and lacked strength.
A Sheriff Deputy from Collier County brought the turtle to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida during the night. However, since we lack the necessary permits to rehabilitate sea turtles, we immediately contacted the FWC and requested assistance from Zoo Miami to transport the turtle for treatment.
During that same month, another sea turtle was discovered in a comparable state on Barefoot Beach. Tim Thompson, a volunteer from Conservancy and FWC, was alerted to the situation. It became a race against time to provide emergency assistance to the animal. However, Tim could not transport his vehicle on the sand or handle the massive sea turtle alone.
Fortunately, a kind citizen volunteered to drive their sturdy four-wheel jeep on the soft sand and assist loading the sick loggerhead turtle. The volunteers then aided in loading the turtle into Tim’s truck. Tim promptly transported the loggerhead to Big Cypress National Preserve to meet with Zoo Miami and transfer the turtle to their vehicle as soon as possible.
According to Zoo Miami, both individuals suffered from Red Tide exposure, were extraordinarily lethargic, and were covered in barnacles.
The animals were in very poor condition, being both anemic and emaciated. Despite weighing between 150 and 170 pounds each, they were given a range of supportive treatments, including IV fluids, nutrition, antibiotics, and dewormers. They were also cleaned thoroughly to remove any barnacles and algae from their bodies.
Two loggerhead sea turtles received months of daily care at Zoo Miami’s Sea Turtle Hospital and were now prepared for release.
Various organizations, including Friends of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, FWC, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, gathered on Tuesday, June 20th, to assist and eagerly await a significant moment.
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