MOTE releases loggerhead sea turtle off Lido Key

Mote Marine Laboratory released subadult loggerhead sea turtle "Ms. Marker" Monday, June 5, from Lido Key, following one-and-a-half months of rehabilitative care at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation.

On April 14, 2017, a couple of anglers found the subadult turtle floating on top of the water and called Mote, which transported the turtle to its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.

Upon rescue, Ms. Marker was extremely lethargic and suffered from some neurological issues, which indicated that Florida red tide algae toxins may have affected the turtle. Initial diagnostics showed an elevated glucose level and a low white blood cell count. Mote staff provided excellent care including food, daily fluids and antibiotic therapy to treat the low white blood cell count.