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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Kirby

Former Patients Updated May 17, 2019 Posted February 8, 2019

Kirby

Adult, Loggerhead ((Caretta caretta))
Kirby, loggerhead sea turtle
Patient Status
Released on May 14, 2019
Date Found
January 29, 2019
Location
Indian Rocks Beach
Reason for Rescue
Found floating

Triage

Weight
93.3 kg (205.3 lbs)
SCL (STRAIGHT CARAPACE LENGTH)
92.7 cm
EXAM FINDINGS
Lethargic and thin. Heavily covered in epibiota (algae and barnacles). Old, healed wound on head.
INITIAL TREATMENT
Received fluids and vitamins.

Kirby’s Story

Kirby is an adult, male loggerhead who was found floating inshore near Indian Rocks Beach on January 29, 2019. Upon intake, he was lethargic and heavily covered in algae and barnacles. There is an old, healed T-shaped wound on Kirby’s head. His treatment plan consists of fluids, vitamins, antibiotics, and monitoring body temperature.

Read more about Kirby’s rescue.

Interesting Fact
Larger than our last adult loggerhead, Bowser!
Naming Theme
Cartoons

Treatment Updates

1.29.19

Bloodwork sent out to the lab

2.1.19

Ate all of the sample diet that was offered! Continuing to do glucose checks twice a day and giving fluids if needed.

2.4.19

Appetite is great, increasing diet. Showing lots of signs of improvement.

2.11.19

Improving. Moved to a larger pool!

3.11.19

Gaining weight, active, and overall improving.

3.25.19

Removed small pap tumor with CO2 laser. Continuing to improve and gain weight. Very active!

4.11.19

At exam this week, weight is at 101 kg (222 pounds)

5.9.19

Has been cleared for release by our veterinary staff and FWC!

5.14.19

Satellite tagged and released on Clearwater Beach!

Watch Kirby’s journey via his satellite tracker.


All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-18-172.

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We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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