The veterinary team at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, has helped many sea turtles. They share stories of resilient turtles like Hope, a loggerhead rescued after an anchor chain injured her flipper. Another is Nutella, a green sea turtle who swallowed a fishing line.
Recently, they celebrated the recovery of another sea turtle named Flynn.
Flynn's Journey to Recovery
Flynn arrived at The Turtle Hospital on February 3. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had rescued him because he was cold-stunned.
When he got to the hospital, Flynn had severe anemia, which was life-threatening. Luckily, he received blood transfusions from Sam, an older sea turtle.
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Start Your News DetoxThe staff thanked Sam, a green sea turtle who cannot be released due to spinal damage from a boat strike. Sam was their blood donor.
Besides low blood levels, Flynn also had large fibropapilloma tumors on his neck, flippers, and tail. These cauliflower-like tumors can grow on a sea turtle's eyes, flippers, and internal organs.
Fibropapillomatosis is common in green sea turtles, but it can affect other sea turtles too. In August 2025, The Turtle Hospital rescued a loggerhead named Molly with a severe case of this disease.
Molly, weighing 170 pounds, had a 10-pound tumor larger than her head. She had surgery and was released back into the ocean on November 25, 2025.
Flynn has now followed Molly's path to recovery.
Tumor-Free and Back Home
On May 26, The Turtle Hospital announced that Flynn was tumor-free after two blood transfusions and surgery with Dr. Terry.
After his tumors were removed, Flynn received chemotherapy treatments. The staff noted that Flynn responded well and made an amazing recovery. His resilience inspired the team daily.
After five months of care, a diet of squid and mackerel, and no signs of tumor regrowth, Flynn was ready for release. Dr. Terry gave him his "swimming papers," and he returned to the Florida Keys on July 17.
The Turtle Hospital shared that Flynn's release was everything they hoped for. A crowd, including founder Richie Moretti, celebrated this milestone.
Despite some algae along the shore, Flynn was eager to go. Volunteers carried him, and his flippers were already "swimming" before he touched the water.
The hospital shared that Flynn did not hesitate. He was feisty and ready to return to the ocean. Watching him swim back after overcoming cold stunning, severe anemia, tumors, and blood transfusions shows why their work is important.
The Turtle Hospital wished Flynn calm seas and a long, happy life. They will be cheering him on from shore.
