Vicki is an amazing planner and always has great and fun things to see and do when we visit. On our way down to Key West, we visited this Turtle Hospital in Marathon. We were able to learn about the facility, how they rehab some turtles to be released back into the ocean, the impact our climate and environment effects these beautiful creatures and meet some resident sea turtles.
5 species of sea turtles are found around the Florida Keys including the leatherback, hawksbill, green turtle, Kemp's Ridley and loggerhead. Mature leatherbacks are the largest turtle and living reptile in the world weighing over 2000 pounds and measuring over 6 feet long. Above is Bender who is a Kemp's Ridley turtle. She was struck by a boat and has "bubble butt" syndrome that makes them float and is difficult to swim to depths to reach food. They often get an air pocket under their shell from gas released from debris and trash contamination in ocean. They put weights on their shell to help them not be so buoyant. These turtles can't be released into the ocean as they aren't able to properly swim making them easy food targets for predators and they can starve to death because they are unable to dive. She is a resident turtle at the hospital.
They have turtle releases when they heal. Some of these will live out the remainder of their life here in Marathon.
