Mote Releases Two Rehabilitated Sea Turtles
Lilly the loggerhead sea turtle makes her way to the water upon being released by Mote's team.
Lilly and Farmer, two loggerhead sea turtles, were released from Lido Beach on Tuesday after recovering from red tide toxins at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.
Farmer was found washed ashore on Holmes Beach and transferred to Mote's hospital on Feb. 21. Lilly was found floating on the south end of Naples Bay and transported to the hospital on March 30. Both displayed symptoms of red tide toxicity.
Mote's team prepares to release Farmer into the Gulf of Mexico.
Under the supervision of Mote staff, Lilly began receiving injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until her symptoms improved. Farmer, who suffered from extreme lethargy, also received subcutaneous fluids daily to help flush out red toxins until Mote's team noticed an improvement in the turtle's behavior and appetite.
Both turtles made full recoveries and were cleared by wildlife officials for release.
“We are super excited to see them go," says Lynne Byrd, Mote’s rehabilitation and medical care manager. "Without help and intervention, these animals wouldn’t be alive and we wouldn’t be enjoying this happy experience.”
Lilly makes her way into the Gulf of Mexico.
If you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale in local waters, call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at (941) 988-0212.
If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters, or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922).
