Pictured: Clarice the sea turtle is helped back to the ocean. Photo Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

On Monday morning, March 18, Mote Marine Laboratory released a subadult, believed-female loggerhead sea turtle nicknamed "Clarice." She has been outfitted with a Passive Integrated Transponder and flipper tags, which provide identification data for Clarice if future needs arise. She was released at Lido Beach and was carried into the water due to a previous injury to one of her flippers. Although she initially swam in the wrong direction, Clarice, with the help of Mote's Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital Staff, found the sea.Clarice's tale began on a Halloween night, October 31, 2023, when she was found adrift three miles off the coast from the Venice Fishing Pier in Sarasota County. Weighed down by an abundance of epibiota, typically parasitic organisms that live on other living organisms, and showing signs of anemia, a condition where the blood lacks healthy red blood cells, and low blood glucose, Clarice was swiftly brought to Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital for care. Upon her arrival, it became evident that Clarice was suffering from what was suspected to be debilitated turtle syndrome, a condition where turtles become lethargic and anemic. She was placed in a rehab pool with shallow water, gradually adjusting to her surroundings. Despite her weakened state, Clarice showed a spark of resilience by eagerly foraging on capelin and squid. In the following days and weeks, Clarice's condition improved steadily. With each passing day, she became more active, and her tank depth was adjusted accordingly. Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital staff carefully monitored her diet and increased as she regained her strength. Regular treatments, including antibiotics, iron injections, and deworming, helped in her recovery process. Clarice's progress has been remarkable. After 140 days of dedicated care and rehabilitation, Clarice has been deemed fit for release. Clarice's story serves as a testament to the resilience of these magnificent creatures and the tireless efforts of those committed to their conservation.

Pictured: Clarice the sea turtle is helped back to the ocean. Photo Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium