Rescues | EastCoastBiologists

TURTLE RESCUES

Hook

During our nearshore study we captured this juvenile green sea turtle who had been foul hooked in its left front flipper. We transported the turtle to Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center. After x-rays showed no bone involvement, the turtle's flipper was numbed, the hook removed, and the turtle was given a long-acting antibiotic. The turtle was released back into the ocean the same day.

Hook

Ventral x-ray of the turtle showing the hook.

Permitted marine turtle rehabilitation work under MTP-206.

Hook

Turtle showing hook removed and was released shortly after.

BUTTON

Button is a juvenile green sea turtle who we rescued during our population study. We immediately noticed the crush to its carapace (an injury often caused by boat strikes) and contacted FWC. We then transported the turtle to Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center where the cared for a treated the turtle. Button recovered and was back to swimming in the ocean!

Button's initial injury

Here you can see the crush (triangle shaped) to Button's shell.

Button being released

Button returning to the sea!

Past rescues

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Researchers at East Coast Biologists, Inc. are trained and permitted through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to handle live and stranded sea turtles. If you find a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle in Florida, please call FWC's 24-hour Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922). Click here for more information.