A juvenile green sea turtle was released off Anna Maria Island Thursday morning by Mote Marine Laboratory.
- Mote releases green sea turtle off Anna Maria Island
- Shoshi found on March 26 in poor condition
- Turtle recovered at Mote's Sea Turtle Rehab Hospital
- MORE PHOTOS BELOW
The turtle named Shoshi was found on March 26, floating 15 miles due west of Bean Point, Anna Maria Island.
The fisherman who found Shoshi said the turtle was found floating in some sort of yellow "sludge" at the surface of the water.
Shoshi was sent to Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital where he was treated. Staff there said Shoshi's body seemed to be reacting to something external. His skin was covered in a unidentified orange material, it scutes--the special plates on its shell--were sloughing off, and its eyes were red and scabby.
Shoshi received antibiotic eye drops, was given dextrose intravenously, and subcutaneous fluids daily until it began eating on its own. Within a few weeks, Shoshi started looking much healthier, and a few months later Mote was able to medically clear it for release.
"Shoshi was a great patient and we are thrilled to be able to release him so quickly," said Lynne Byrd, Rehabilitation and Medical Coordinator for Mote.
Members of Anna Maria Turtle Watch and beach-goers cheered on little Shoshi as it made its way back into the water.
Citizens are asked to report stranded or dead sea turtles, dolphins, and whales within Sarasota and Manatee County waters to Mote's Stranding Investigations Program at 941-988-0212.
Anyone who sees a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin, and whale outside of Sarasota and Manatee County waters is asked to call FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1 (888) 404-3922.
