Hope
Patients Report
Name: Hope
Species: Loggerhead sea turtle
Weight: 150 lbs.
Reason for visit: Entanglement
Location: Grassy Key
Status Report
- 06/04/2026 Hope, a 150‑pound loggerhead sea turtle, was rescued at sea off the Florida Keys today. She was found floating and severely entangled in an anchor line, with the anchor still attached. The entanglement caused a serious injury to her front flipper, and she was unable to swim or dive normally. Upon arrival at the Turtle Hospital, Hope received a full check‑in exam. Our veterinary team completed bloodwork, photos, measurements, and scans to assess the extent of her injuries and determine the best course of treatment. She is now receiving supportive care as we work to stabilize her and begin her recovery.
- 06/08/2026 Hope underwent additional diagnostics and treatment to give her the best possible chance at recovery. Our amazing team was able to carefully remove the anchor line that had been tightly wrapped around her front flipper. She also received X‑rays and advanced imaging, allowing our veterinary staff to fully assess the extent of her injuries.Unfortunately, the damage to her flipper was severe. After reviewing all imaging and examining the tissue, it was determined that her front flipper will need to be amputated. Once her initial treatments were completed, her injured flipper was thoroughly cleaned and bandaged to keep her comfortable and prevent infection.Hope has since been moved into one of our rehabilitation tanks, where she can rest and continue receiving round‑the‑clock care. Through it all, she has remained remarkably strong and determined. While she still has a long road ahead, we are encouraged by her fighting spirit and will continue doing everything we can to help her heal.
- 06/08/2026 After a careful evaluation by our veterinary team, Hope has been scheduled for surgery first thing tomorrow morning. Due to the severity of the line‑entanglement injury to her front flipper, amputation is the best option to give her a chance at a healthy future. This decision was made only after thorough imaging, examination, and assessment of her long‑term wellbeing. Our team is preparing everything she needs for a safe procedure and a strong start to her next phase of recovery. Hope’s resilience has been remarkable, and we’ll continue supporting her every step of the way.
- 06/09/2026 Today, Hope is preparing for her amputation surgery. She will receive updated X‑rays and go through pre‑operative evaluation with Dr. Terry Norton before her front right flipper is removed. This procedure is necessary due to the severity of the entanglement injury and gives her the best chance at a healthy future.Her surgery later in the day was a success. After careful post‑operative monitoring, hourly checks, and overnight fluids, Hope is looking good in her shallow‑water tank. She even enjoyed a gentle hydro‑massage at her amputation site today to help reduce swelling and support healing.Hope continues to show remarkable strength and determination. While she still has a long road ahead, her resilience inspires our entire team as we provide the round‑the‑clock care she needs to recover.
- 06/11/2026 Hope had another her post‑surgery exam and bandage change today, and everything went smoothly. This is an encouraging step forward in her recovery, but she still has a long journey ahead as she heals from her amputation surgery. Our team will continue providing the intensive care and support she needs, and Hope’s strength and resilience remain an inspiration to everyone caring for her.
- 06/12/2026 Today, Hope received another post‑surgical checkup, including a bandage change, blood draw, fluid therapy, and Class IV laser treatment to help promote healing at her amputation site. We’re happy to report that her exam went well, and the wound area is looking good.Because she recently underwent major surgery and experienced blood loss, our veterinary team is monitoring her blood levels closely. We’ll be checking them daily and are prepared to provide a blood transfusion if needed as she continues her recovery.Hope still has a long road ahead, but we’re encouraged by the progress she’s making and grateful for every positive step forward. Her determination continues to inspire everyone caring for her.
- 06/13/2026 Today’s bloodwork showed that Hope’s blood levels have continued to drop, which can happen after major surgery. Our veterinary team is monitoring her closely, checking her CBC levels daily and standing by to provide a blood transfusion if needed. She also received fluids today to support her recovery. Hope was even offered a lobster tail—a favorite treat for many loggerheads. She showed interest, but she wasn’t quite ready to eat yet, which is understandable given everything she’s been through. She still has a long road ahead, but we’re encouraged by the progress she’s making and grateful for every positive step forward. Hope’s strength continues to inspire everyone caring for her.
- 06/16/2026 We have some encouraging news to share — Hope’s blood levels have stabilized, and we’re cautiously optimistic about her progress. Our team is still working on encouraging her to eat. She’s shown interest in the fresh fish we’ve offered, but she hasn’t taken a bite just yet. While we’d love to see her eating, this isn’t uncommon for a large adult sea turtle adjusting to captivity and recovering from major surgery.
- 06/24/2026 Hope is continuing to recover from her surgery — and she’s rocking a medical honey wrap! While it might sound like a sweet treat, honey is actually a scientific powerhouse in wound care. Its high sugar content pulls water right out of bacteria cells through osmosis, making it impossible for germs to survive. Sweet, sticky, and antimicrobial — the perfect combo for healing. Hope’s wrap is helping protect her incision, reduce infection risk, and support healthy tissue growth as she continues her recovery journey.
- 06/29/2026 Hope continues to respond well to treatment, and we’re happy to share that she now has a healthy appetite for squid and mackerel! Seeing her show interest in food is a wonderful sign of strength as she recovers from major surgery.Her daily care is extensive and carefully tailored to support healing. Hope receives deep wound care on her surgical site, Class IV laser therapy, broad‑spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and pain medication to keep her as comfortable as possible while she heals. Every treatment plays an important role in helping her regain strength and move forward in her recovery.
Hope Photos
