Meet Cleave

the story

About Cleave

Cleave was found floating and unable to swim due to being cold stunned during unusually cold temperatures in Florida. Cleave and several hundred other sea turtles were cold stunned while residing in Mosquito Lagoon near the Canaveral National Seashore when the water temperatures dropped to near freezing. Cleave had a large amount of gas in the intestines and superficial trauma to both eyes.

Rescue

Cleave was rescued from the freezing temperatures in Mosquito Lagoon during an unusual cold snap in Florida. FWC with local agencies responded to the cold stunning event. Cleave was transported to STS for further evaluation due to the trauma to both eyes.

Diagnose

An eye exam showed no lasting damage to either eye. Superficial wounds were located on the conjunctiva possibly from debris while floating. Radiographs showed a large amount of gas within the intestines. This gas caused temporary buoyancy once in the hospital tank.

Care

The intestinal gas dissipated soon after arrival and Cleave was able to dive and rest on the bottom of the hospital tank normally. Both eyes healed well with gentle treatment.

Fun Fact

Florida cold-stunned turtles often can return to warmer waters within days after rescue. The near-shore water gets cold quickly and warms soon after unlike New England waters which slowly gets to freezing temperatures and remains too cold for sea turtles for several months. Turtles with underlying issues are taken to rehab facilities and not quickly released like the healthier individuals.