Sponsor the Care of Peter Island
By sponsoring the care of sea turtle Peter 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 Peter 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.
Peter Island's Story
On July 9th, Peter Island was found floating in distress behind a home in Palm Coast. A severe boat strike had left a concerning injury to the top of the animal’s shell (carapace). Peter’s distended body raised immediate concerns about internal damage — particularly to the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which is commonly affected by a vessel strike.
Thankfully, our veterinarian Dr. Brooke was already on-site and able to examine Peter Island immediately. The wound was carefully cleaned of marsh mud and debris, and loose, dead bone was removed. Peter remained quiet during the procedure, was treated with pain relief medication, and was started on a course of strong antibiotics to help ward off infection. The very next day, Peter was lucky enough to tag along on a scheduled trip to Precision Imaging for a CT scan. This critical imaging helped confirm that his spinal column was intact and revealed no signs of internal tumors or other hidden complications.
The animal care team performed daily wound care to the boat strike to ensure the wound was clean. After just a week of care, Peter had done an amazing turnaround. With the help of a GI mobility medication (think turtle-safe Gas-X!), and following some very large grassy poops, the buoyancy issue resolved. Peter immediately began eating every bit of seafood and greens offered to him, a very good sign.
With a clear CT scan and a hearty appetite, Peter has taken his first steps toward recovery. While we know the journey ahead will require patience and continued care, we're hopeful and excited to support Peter Island through the stages of healing. By sponsoring Peter Island, you are directly contributing to Peter’s rehabilitation and giving her/him a second chance at life in the wild. Peter’s story is just beginning, and with your help we are determined to see Peter released back into the ocean.