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University of Florida

Sponsor the Care of Sugar Ant

By sponsoring the care of sea turtle Sugar Ant 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 Sugar Ant with 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 wh-whitneylab@ufl.edu.

SPONSOR SUGAR ANT

Sugar Ant's Story

Sea turtle being held on exam table

On July 18th, Sugar Ant stranded in Daytona Beach and was brought to our friends at the Volusia Marine Science Center for a closer look. Sugar Ant had been found with fishing hooks embedded in the face and flipper, which the team at VMSC removed upon intake. Despite the ordeal, this resilient juvenile green sea turtle immediately began eating—a great early sign.

Sugar Ant's original name at VMSC was Pangolin. When Sugar Ant transferred to our care, the Sea Turtle Hospital team decided to keep the theme going—naming this turtle after one of a pangolin's favorite foods: sugar ants!

In early August, a veterinary examination revealed small 1-3mm lesions forming on Sugar Ant's skin. Dr. Burkhalter determined these were likely early-forming fibropapilloma tumors, prompting a transfer to the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory on August 11th for continued care.

Today, this 3.2 kg juvenile is bright, alert, and active. Sugar Ant loves the enrichment "hide" and hasn't missed a meal, happily eating a full seafood diet along with the green feeder—small but important victories as this resilient turtle begins the journey toward recovery.