Turtle Hospital

Today we paid a visit to the Sea Turtle Hospital.  Who knew that Sea Turtles faced so many issues??  The hospital has a group of marine biologists that "take call", staying at the hospital to take care of "critical" turtles and going out to rescue them when they are called.  Turtles apparently eat anything - including all the trash that ends up in the ocean.  Then they develop an intestinal impaction and will starve if it is

not relieved.  Power boats and jet skis hit turtles and damage their shell.  They then will end up with a "bubble butt" like this poor guy on the right.  When that happens they can only float.  Bad thing if you are a turtle.  Turtles have to "dive" to eat as that is where there food is - down in the sea grass usually.  So... the hospital has to put weights on these sea turtles so they can continue to dive.  Problem is - over time the weights fall off, so the turtles with cracked shells become permanent residents. 

You can see the black weight that is attached to the turtles shell on the left.  Eventually, they try to find homes for these guys and gals at zoos or aquariums.  According to their literature one such fellow is now living the life in Vegas!!  Another common problem with Green Sea Turtles especially is fibropapilloma - a tumor that they develop.  Believed to be related to all the chemical runoff into the

water.  No matter where you are - it all 
eventually ends up in the ocean.  Mary Ann has several tumors but the one on her left eye will blind her if not removed.  The tumors are removed with a laser.  After surgery the turtles stay at the hospital for a year to see if they develop more tumors.  At the end of the year if they are tumor free they are released back into the ocean. How much stuff do we need to put on our lawns anyway??  It was an enlightening day and great to know that their is someone to call if you happen upon a hurt or ill turtle.  Keep up the good work Turtle Hospital!!