From Rescue to Recovery: Inside the Turtle Hospital

Visiting the Turtle Hospital: A Journey of Learning and Conservation

Today, Day and I are heading to the Turtle Hospital, located on Marathon Island, on our route from Miami to Key West. We are excited to contribute to their cause and learn how we can better protect these incredible creatures.
Upon arrival, we entered a fascinating and educational space dedicated to all things turtle. We purchased our tickets and were guided to a room where we learned about the turtles brought to the hospital and the reasons behind their injuries. Sadly, many turtles end up at the hospital due to human-related issues.They can get entangled in fishing nets, collide with boats, or ingest hooks and plastic waste. Turtles often mistake plastic for jellyfish, leading to internal problems. We were shown a shocking photo of the plastic waste found in one turtle, which unfortunately did not survive. This part of the tour was thought-provoking, high
lighting our impact on nature.ranging. It was eye-opening to see how human activities, By pollution from plastic in the water, bud also by gasoline in the water which in turn contaminates the food of the turtle, or for example a attacked by a shark, bud also by unintentionally we harm these animals and their habitats.
Visiting a hospital is usually something you want to avoid on a trip, but the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys is an exception. This facility treats sick sea turtles so they can return to the ocean. If you’re touring Florida and visiting the Keys, this is a must-see.

 An Educational Experience: Learning About Sea Turtles and Their Ailments

Our tour began with a presentation. Of the seven species of sea turtles, five can be found in Florida: the green sea turtle, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and Kemp’s ridley. Our guide enthusiastically explained the differences between these species and how to identify them.
Sadly, many turtles end up at the hospital due to human-related issues. They can get entangled in fishing nets, collide with boats, or ingest hooks and plastic waste. Turtles often mistake plastic for jellyfish, leading to internal problems. We were shown a shocking photo of the plastic waste found in one turtle, which unfortunately did not survive. This part of the tour was thought-provoking, highlighting our impact on nature.

All this plastic waste was found in one sea turtle. Photo by Turtle Hospital.

The Operating Room: A Look Behind the Scenes

Next, we visited the operating room, equipped
with familiar medical devices like X-ray machines, ventilators, and endoscopic cameras. Special ambulances are used not only to bring injured turtles to the hospital but also to release recovered turtles back into the ocean. It’s reassuring to see that sea turtles are in good hands here.While we were there, they were performing surgery on a turtle to remove tumors, as shown in the photo.

Visiting Hours: Meeting the Residents

We then moved to the large basin where permanent residents swim. These turtles have injuries that prevent them from returning to the wild, such as the “bubble butt” syndrome, where trapped air makes it difficult for them to dive. To help, weights are attached to their shells, but these are temporary solutions. Thus, these turtles live permanently at the hospital.
The turtles were visibly excited as we arrived, anticipating feeding time. We were given food (pellets and lettuce) and had the chance to see them up close. Our guide knew each turtle by name, along with their injuries and treatment plans.

The Intensive Care: A Sobering Reminder

We also saw the intensive care area, where newly admitted or critically ill turtles are kept in individual tanks. Here, we saw turtles struggling with eating, floating issues, or severe shell fractures. While it was heartwarming to see the care they received, it also made us reflect on the human impact on these animals.

Making a Difference: Supporting Sea Turtle Conservation

As tourists, we can help care for sea turtles. Visiting the Turtle Hospital, a non-profit organization, directly supports their mission. The most significant impact comes from taking their message home and adopting sustainable practices. This is perhaps the most meaningful souvenir you can bring back from Florida.

Practical Information for Visiting the Turtle Hospital

– **Location:** Mile Marker 48.5, Overseas Highway, Florida Keys.
– **Tour Times:** Multiple tours daily. Check the website for current schedules and prices.
– **Duration:** 1.5 hours (arrive 10 minutes early for registration).
– **Info Center:** There’s a small but interesting information center if you arrive early.
– **Reservations:** Strongly recommended as tours often fill up.
– **Combine Your Visit:** The Turtle Hospital visit can be easily combined with other attractions along the Overseas Highway or a trip to Key West.
Our day at the Turtle Hospital was both enlightening and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of conservation and our role in protecting these remarkable creatures.We were grateful for opportunity to learn and raise awareness.

Day & Nicole