Turtle Hospital Marathon, FL

fullsizeoutput_17f9.jpeg
 
 

The largest Sea Turtle Hospital in the Nation

I have recently visited the Turtle Hospital in Marathon Key, Florida. The Turtle Hospital is a non-profit organization that is committed to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, and it is funded by donations and visitors to the hospital. I knew before visiting that humans were the primary reasons these turtles were here in the first place. Many of these turtles have been injured by boat propellors not going the correct speed causing most of them to become paralyzed. Others had injuries caused by fishing nets, garbage, and litter in the ocean that is easily mistaken as food. Fibropapillomatosis is a disease specific to sea turtles that causes tumors to appear and is usually caused by pollution in the water. 

I wanted to post these pictures so that maybe people could understand that our actions have consequenses. In this case, these pictures show proof of these consequences. These pictures show our pollution, plastic and ignorance problem as humans. Until change is made we will continue to see innocent species suffer at our hands. Below you will see pictures of turtles with the issues I have listed above. I hope they reach and ignite you the same way they have reached me. 

If you would like to help, donations are always welcome ♡

https://www.turtlehospital.org

 
 
Temporary ResidentThis turtle was treated for something very common among sea turtles. Over time barnacles can build up on the shells of turtles and can become too much or overbearing. The staff at the hospital can remove these barnacles from t…

Temporary Resident

This turtle was treated for something very common among sea turtles. Over time barnacles can build up on the shells of turtles and can become too much or overbearing. The staff at the hospital can remove these barnacles from their backs and apply a natural healing ointment most of us wouldn't think to use, honey. Once the skin on this turtles shell is healed she will be released back into the wild.

Temporary ResidentThis turtle got lucky with her injury. The staff at the hospital was able to heal and bandage her flipper. She will hopefully make a full recovery and be sent back home.

Temporary Resident

This turtle got lucky with her injury. The staff at the hospital was able to heal and bandage her flipper. She will hopefully make a full recovery and be sent back home.

Temporary Resident Fibropapillomatosis is a disease specific to sea turtles that causes tumors to appear and is usually caused by pollution in the water. This turtle will go through many surgeries to remove these tumors. Once the doctors see him tum…

Temporary Resident

Fibropapillomatosis is a disease specific to sea turtles that causes tumors to appear and is usually caused by pollution in the water. This turtle will go through many surgeries to remove these tumors. Once the doctors see him tumor free for a year they will send him back to the wild!

Permanent ResidentThis little guy lost his flipper from being hit by a boat propeller. He will never be able to go back into the wild and will continue being cared for by the hospital.

Permanent Resident

This little guy lost his flipper from being hit by a boat propeller. He will never be able to go back into the wild and will continue being cared for by the hospital.