Sea Turtle Hospital patients Kaffeklubben and Charles Island returned to their ocean home on April 15 at Marineland Beach, directly across the street from the Whitney Laboratory.
They were released by two incredibly meaningful women—Nancy and Cat. These trailblazers turned what was once just a pipe dream—opening a sea turtle hospital—into a reality. Ten years ago, the hospital was carved out of an existing space at The Whitney Laboratory all thanks to their relentless dedication.
It was a very special release bringing together the Whitney Lab and Sea Turtle Hospital as well as members of the DPR Construction crew who are building the new facility: the future home of the Whitney Laboratory and Sea Turtle Hospital 2.0. Highlighting how much of a team makes the dreams come true for both science and sea turtles.
Charles Island and Kuffeklubben were part of this year’s cold stun event in Northeast Florida. The naming theme this year is islands, and returning these two back home brings the hospital to 98 sea turtles rehabilitated and released since opening its doors in October 2015.
Charles Island was the hospital's 121st intake of the year, admitted on February 14th. This little turtle was found washed ashore on Old A1A, directly across from the hospital. Upon intake, Charles Island was covered in epibiota—a buildup of barnacles, algae, and other organisms that attach to a sea turtle’s carapace (shell), especially during colder months. Charles Island was in thin body condition and had a mild case of fibropapillomatosis (FP). After two months of care, weight gain, and successful FP tumor removal surgery, this patient made a full recovery, was cleared by our veterinarian, and was released back home.
Kuffeklubben was the hospital's 124th intake this year, found washed ashore on Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine on February 22nd. Upon arrival, this turtle was covered in marsh mud and sea squirts, carrying around a full extra pound of epibiota. After a careful cleaning, we noted a very mild case of FP, but otherwise, Kuffeklubben was in good body condition. After two months of continued care, this patient was also cleared for release by our veterinarian and returned home alongside Charles Island.