The Turtle Hospital is excited to announce a public sea turtle release scheduled for Saturday, December 14th 2013 at 12:00 p.m.  Please join us on Higg’s Beach behind Salute restaurant, 1000 Atlantic Blvd., Key West as we cheer on Hunter, an adu…lt loggerhead sea turtle.  Hunter was found floating off of Bamboo Bank in the Florida Bay on August 8, 2012.  US Coast Guard Marathon Station assisted the Turtle Hospital staff with the rescue on scene.  Hunter was extremely underweight and suffering from lockjaw most likely due to an infection.  This ailment prevented Hunter from being able to open his beak to feed.  X-rays at the Turtle Hospital revealed that Hunter had ingested fishing hooks.

Rescue:

Intake and Rehab:

Hunter and the rehabilitation staff worked diligently and after almost 3 months of rehabilitation Hunter was able to open his mouth to eat.  Dr. Doug Mader of Marathon Veterinary Hospital removed a fishing hook that was lodged in Hunter’s mouth.  Hunter was treated with vitamins, broad spectrum antibiotics and a healthy diet of squid and fish.  Hunter is now a healthy 220 pounds (up from 170 pounds at intake) and ready to return to his ocean home.  Hunter will arrive in the turtle ambulance at Higg’s Beach at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday for a 12:00 p.m. release.  See you there!