This morning, Mote Marine Laboratory staff released a 154-pound, about 3-foot-long, subadult, female loggerhead sea turtle nicknamed "Lil' Dougie" off Siesta Key Beach.

Lil' Dougie's journey began on Memorial Day when she was found floating in Blackburn Bay by Sarasota County Sheriff's Office's creative communications specialist Doug Johnson and his wife Susannah while they were paddle boarding. Named after Doug, the turtle was quickly brought to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, which has admitted more than 900 sick and injured sea turtles since 1995.

"When we found [Lil' Dougie] unable to submerge herself on Memorial Day, a day where there is heightened boat traffic, we knew we had to stay with her until Mote arrived," says Johnson. "It was incredible to be part of this turtle's rescue, and to witness her being released again."

Upon arrival at Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, the Mote team discovered that Lil' Dougie was missing part of her left front flipper, likely due to a shark interaction. She was also suffering from anemia, lethargy, and buoyancy issues. Immediate treatments included subcutaneous fluids, injectable antibiotics, and placement in a shallow rehabilitation pool.

Despite her initial challenges, Lil' Dougie demonstrated remarkable resilience. She began eating well, eagerly accepting shrimp, capelin, and squid. Her condition steadily improved, her buoyancy issues resolved and, by July 6, Lil' Dougie was exhibiting normal neutral buoyancy, and was given deeper water to swim in. Her left front flipper had also healed.

Today, Lil' Dougie is tagged with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag, the same technology as the “microchips” used in pet dogs and pet cats, which will allow her to be identified in the future if she's ever encountered again. 

"Days like today, where we are able to successfully rescue and release a sea turtle after expert rehabilitation care at Mote, is what inspires me. Not every turtle is as lucky," says Gretchen Lovewell, Mote's Strandings Investigations Program Manager. "Without the help of Doug and Susannah, we wouldn't have been able to help this turtle."

What to Do If You See a Turtle or Marine Mammal in Distress

Within Sarasota or Manatee County waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle or marine mammal, call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at (888) 345-2335. Outside of Sarasota and Manatee counties, call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922).  For stranded dolphins or whales anywhere outside Sarasota or Manatee Counties, call NOAA Fisheries at (877) 433-8299.