The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience
By sponsoring the care of sea turtle Kiwi, 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 Kiwi important medical supplies, nutritious food, critical exams and other types of care 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.
Please allow 2 weeks for mailed certificate to arrive. Emailed certificates sent within 2 business days.
For questions about sponsoring, please contact wlmb@whitney.ufl.edu.
Kiwi has returned to their ocean home!
Recently deemed tumor free!
Kiwi is a small juvenile green turtle that was found buoyant and struggling to dive in New Smyrna Beach close to Chicken Island on March 22nd. Kiwi had a low body temperature upon arrival. She was initially transported to Volusia Marine Science Center where it was confirmed Kiwi was FP positive. She was then transferred to the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory.
Our veterinarian did a complete exam and after a few days, Kiwi’s buoyancy issue resolved. She was transported for a CT scan at Precision Imaging in St. Augustine. CT results showed no internal tumors. Several days later, our veterinarian performed an endoscopy where we saw healthy internal organs and learned this animal was female. Kiwi recently had surgery and is currently “tumor free”. She still has a few months of recovery and treatment before being considered for release.