“Mama” loggerhead sea turtle
On Friday morning, the sea turtle team received a call that an adult female loggerhead had laid a nest on Redington Beach and then hadn’t quite made it back to the water. She was sitting stationary; most likely exhausted by her night of egg laying, and just did not want to go back into the ocean. This caused a problem as a large crowd of beach walkers and residents, including the sheriff’s office were starting to stand around her and become concerned on her condition. After numerous discussions with Florida Fish and Wildlife staff and our veterinarian, the decision was made to bring her in to CMA for 24 hour watch and assessment. Again, we surmised it was most likely exhaustion, but we never want to assume when it comes to the health of our animals.
Mama was measured at 104 straight carapace length and approximately 300 pounds! We took blood samples on her and gave her some fluids for rehydration and boost her blood sugar levels which were quite low. She was then able to swim in a pool and looked alert and active and curious.
The decision was made the following day that if her blood results looked all within normal ranges, she would be flipper tagged and released…and she was. On Saturday, late afternoon, Mama was released back to the ocean for the possibility of a return for more nests out of this gorgeous old female!
Sometimes everyone just needs a nap and some R&R before returning back to the grind of life!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This just made me smile. Thanks for that, amid the sorrow I feel every day over the oil spill I needed it!
Liz
Every mamma needs a little rest! Happy to see she is back on here flippers!
What a nice, positive story to share. Loved the photos and happy ending. Thanks for the work you do.
Great Work CMA as always! Glad to hear some positive news during this crazy uncertain time! Good luck to Mama and her babies!