The Turtle Hospital. Rescue, Rehab, Release.

Sport

Lobster trap entanglements are a common occurrence here in the Florida Keys. Sport is a sub-adult loggerhead who is yet another turtle to become entangled. On January 23 the commercial fisherman themselves brought Sport back to land where they met up with Florida Wildlife Commission for transport. Sue Schaf from FWC brought in this 113 lb turtle for triage. We were hoping to possibly save the leg but the circulation had been cut off for so long that there was nothing we could do to save it. Sport had to undergo surgery for an amputation of the right rear leg. Sutures now hold the incision site together. Sport is on antibiotics to prevent infection and will remain here until he has healed up enough for release. Even though Sport now only has three legs it will not be a problem for him to go back to the wild.

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