On August 8, Allison Calhoun, a tour guide with Florida’s Geiger Key Paddle Hut, was leading a kayak trip in the Florida Keys. She received a phone call asking for help with an animal in need.
She paddled to the location and found a young green sea turtle. It was covered in tumors on its eyes and flippers.
Calhoun managed to get the turtle onto her kayak and to shore. "Logan" is now being cared for at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital. The turtle was named after a kayaking guest who was celebrating his birthday.
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Start Your News DetoxCalhoun thanked The Turtle Hospital staff, calling them "amazing."
Logan's Treatment and Recovery
The Turtle Hospital shared updates on Logan's rescue. On August 10, they posted that Logan, a juvenile green sea turtle, had arrived with many fibropapilloma tumors. The first step was a CT scan at a human hospital to check for internal tumors.
Fibropapillomatosis is a disease that causes benign, cauliflower-like tumors. It can affect all sea turtles, but it is most common in green sea turtles.
Small tumors are usually harmless. However, large or poorly placed tumors can cause blindness or affect other vital functions.
After Logan is cleared of urgent concerns, his treatment will focus on getting him healthy enough to return to the wild. The rescue center explained that a strong immune system helps fight these tumors. They will monitor his blood levels and improve his health before removing the tumors. This helps prevent them from growing back.
The Turtle Hospital's Long History
Despite the challenges, The Turtle Hospital is hopeful about Logan's future. Staff noted that there is much work ahead, but Logan is in good hands.
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles for decades. In April, they celebrated 40 years of service.
Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach told Keys Weekly that sea turtles are known for their resilience. They are among the oldest animals, having lived in oceans when dinosaurs roamed the land. Zirkelbach also noted the resilience of The Turtle Hospital itself, which has adapted through many changes over 40 years. She expressed pride in being part of the organization.
