Hugh Stevenson, visiting the Keys and staying at the Outdoor Resort was out kayaking on the north side of Long Key last Sunday. About 20 yards off shore, in only 2 feet of water, he found a Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Concerned as the turtle was floating and listless, he contacted the Turtle Hospital. Staff responded and were able to net the sub adult turtle.

Examination and blood analysis indicate that the emaciated turtle has a body cavity infection. Toby (named after Hugh’s home town of Tobermory, Ontario) is being treated with antibiotics and vitamins.

Update Jan 27, 2009

Despite best efforts by the staff the infection was in the blood system and had compromised a number of the organs (determined by necropsy).