Betty White

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: December 22, 2015
Stranding Location: Jupiter, FL

Initial Weight: 168 lbs.
Current Weight: 204.1 lbs.

Issue: Chronic Debilitated, Buoyancy
Current Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Betty White is a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle with a carapace length of 87.5 cm. An adult would measure at 90 cm or larger in length. She was found floating in the Loxahatchee River with a large amount of epibiota such as algae, barnacles, bivalves, and crabs on her carapace. She is chronically debilitated, lethargic and underweight. Bloodwork showed that she is anemic and hypoglycemic. Radiographs were taken showing an impacted intestinal tract, and an ultrasound was performed allowing us to determine she is female. The turtle will continue to receive injections of vitamins, iron, and antibiotics. She is eating very well and her bloodwork is slowly improving. She was named after the actress Betty White – lover of all animals.

PROGRESS NOTES:

6/08/2016 –  Betty White was released on 6/8/16 with a satellite transmitter. You can follow her progress on our web page.

5/19/2016 –  Betty White will be tagged later this week. It is hopeful that this turtle will be ready for release in the near future.

4/28/2016 –  Betty White’s anemia is almost completely resolved. The turtle continues to do very well.

2/24/2016 – Betty White will be tagged later this week. It is hopeful that this turtle will be ready for release in the near future.

2/24/2016 – Betty White’s bloodwork is within normal limits and the turtle continues to improve.

2/1/2016 – Floatation was determined to be due to free air in the coelomic cavity.  We removed over 2.5 liters of air. She is able to stay submerged with no problem now. In addition, the bone marrow is responding and the anemia is improving.

1/8/2016 – Betty White is a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle with a carapace length of 87.5 cm. An adult would measure at 90 cm or larger in length. She was found floating in the Loxahatchee River with a large amount of epibiota such as algae, barnacles, bivalves, and crabs on her carapace. She is chronically debilitated, lethargic and underweight. Bloodwork showed that she is anemic and hypoglycemic. Radiographs were taken showing an impacted intestinal tract, and an ultrasound was performed allowing us to determine she is female. The turtle will continue to receive injections of vitamins, iron, and antibiotics. She is eating very well and her bloodwork is slowly improving. She was named after the actress Betty White – lover of all animals.