It was a team effort today to catch and haul our newest patient Waffles in to safety! Erin and her daughter Ruby were out for a kayak trip when they stumbled on this 230lbs turtle floating and struggling at the surface near Geiger Key. Knowing about the Turtle Hospital, they gave us a call and the rescue mission was on! Ruby, Erin, and nearby kayaker Elio kept a close eye on Waffles and followed her slowly bobbing turtle shell until help from FWC Officer Seth Wingard and Rehab Specialist Matt could arrive with the rescue equipment. With the expert navigating skills of Erin on the double kayak, she was able to pilot Matt into perfect position to catch Waffles in the net. After paddling back to the boat, everyone grabbed a handful and heaved Waffles onto the gunnel of the FWC boat for the ride to shore. Ruby had the turtles name picked out as soon as she saw it; later telling Matt she thought it looked like a big waffle! Initial analysis shows a possible intestinal blockage, anemia, and also an old propeller strike to the shell. We could never have gotten her to safety without the huge efforts put forth by a the caring rescuers, thank you!!!
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 23:24:22 +0000