SARASOTA, Fla. — An adult female sea turtle has returned home to the Gulf of Mexico after months of treatment at Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, according to a news release.
The sea turtle, named Clarice, underwent 136 days of rehabilitation after she was diagnosed with debilitated turtle syndrome, which left her lethargic. Tagged with a satellite, her return will feed vital information to Mote Marine Laboratory which will inform the center’s future sea turtle conservation efforts.
Clarice was found floating in the ocean three miles off the coast from the Venice Fishing Pier in Sarasota County. When Mote Marine staff got to her, they said she showed signs of anemia and low blood sugar, which they found to be symptoms of debilitating turtle syndrome.
Mote staff placed her in a rehab pool where she spent most of her time foraging, being medicated and regaining her strength.
“Clarice's story serves as a testament to the resilience of these magnificent creatures and the tireless efforts of those committed to their conservation,” the news release said.
Her satellite tag will produce information about her species’ habitat and migration patterns, according to officials.
If you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin, or whale, please call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at 888-345-2335.
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, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922).