Rehabbed turtles released
A rare triple release of turtles took place Monday off Lido Beach.
Mote Marine Laboratory scientists and volunteers released Kemp’s ridley, green and loggerhead sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico. All of the turtles had been in the care of Mote since they were discovered in need of aid.
Turtle releases are fairly common. Uncommon is having three species released at the same time.
Dubbed Anakin, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, brought to Mote in July 2009, had been found stranded on a sandbar near the south end of Lido Key. According to Mote officials, "He had swallowed a balloon. The turtle, which arrived anemic and dehydrated, also was treated for a fracture in its right-front flipper."
Loggerhead Gwen "was brought to Mote by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Jan. 13 after stranding in northwest Bradenton. This turtle was cold-stunned during the record-low water temperatures that affected the state in January. She was one of more than 4,500 sea turtles that stranded statewide because of the cold."
On Monday Mote Marine Laboratory scientists and volunteers released Gwen, a female loggerhead sea turtle stranded on the Manatee River in January. Photo by Paul Roat.
The third turtle, named Dasher, was a small green sea turtle stranded in Pinellas County and brought to Mote in December 2008. "The turtle was lethargic, appeared dehydrated and was covered in barnacles," Mote officials reported. "Dasher also had several small papillomas, or tumors. The turtle also had small-test monofilament fishing line coming from its mouth, but X-rays did not show any hooks. After a few weeks, the monofilament passed through its system. The tumors were removed during surgery."
About 150 people attended the release, with rounds of applause following each turtle’s immersion in the chilly Gulf waters.
Turtle lovers can help their reptile friends by attending a benefit for Mote’s turtle, dolphin and whale hospitals at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 Saint Judes Drive, Longboat Key. Admission is $10, with half of the price donated to Mote. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a variety of wines. No reservations are needed.