Sponsor the Care of Grassy Key
By sponsoring the care of sea turtle Grassy Key you'll be supporting the Sea Turtle Hospital and the work we do to research, rehab and release these amazing animals. Your sponsorship can provide Grassy Key important medical supplies, nutritious food, critical exams and other types of care provided while at the Sea Turtle Hospital.
Suggested amount to sponsor the care of a turtle is $50. We appreciate gifts above $50 as well.
For joining us, you'll receive:
- A personalized certificate and choice to have it mailed to your home or emailed
- A monthly email update
- Advance notice of the turtle’s release (attendance at release not guaranteed)
You can even give a turtle sponsorship as a gift!
Please allow 2 weeks for mailed certificate to arrive. Emailed certificates sent within 3-4 business days.
For questions about sponsoring, please contact wlmb@whitney.ufl.edu.
Grassy Key's Story
Grassy Key, a chilly, overwintered green sea turtle, was admitted to our care on January 9th after being found washed ashore with an intake temperature of just 59.1°F. Upon arrival, Grassy was heavily covered in hair algae, marsh mud, and barnacles—clear indicators that this turtle had been in distress for some time.
In addition to being in poor body condition, Grassy presented with several abscesses on the carapace and plastron, as well as a moderate to heavy load of Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. These tumors were located on both front flippers, both eyes, the neck, and the inguinal region.
Following a thorough veterinary examination—including bloodwork, radiographs, and fluid therapy with vitamin supplements—our animal care team carefully and gradually increased Grassy’s body temperature over the course of two days. This controlled warming process was critical to stabilizing the turtle and supporting its recovery.
Today, we’re thrilled to share that Grassy Key has been cleaned up and is now happily swimming in one of our 75°F rehab tanks. Even better, Grassy is readily eating seafood and has begun taking oral medications cleverly hidden in pieces of food—an encouraging sign of progress!
Your sponsorship plays a vital role in supporting the ongoing care and rehabilitation Grassy needs to regain strength and health. Thanks to your generosity, Grassy Key is on the road to recovery and will have multiple FP tumor removal surgeries with the end goal of returning back to the wild, where it belongs.
Thank you for being part of Grassy Key’s journey! Your support is truly making a difference in helping this sea turtle thrive again.