Patient story
Meet Peeps
Discover how your support helps turtles like Peeps return home.
Patient Info
SPECIES
Green Sea Turtle
aGE
5-10 Years
wEIGHT
5.7 Lbs
DATE ARRIVED
05/07/2026
ISSUE
Pneumonia / FP
the story
About Peeps
Peeps was found buoyant, floating along the coast in Volusia County this past January. Unable to dive, peeps became cold and their body started shutting down. Peeps was originally a patient in a northern Florida hospital and was transferred to STS for continued care and FP removal surgery.
Rescue
Peeps was spotted by a beach-goer, bobbing on the surface of the ocean. Once rescued, it was apparent that Peeps needed urgent care.
Diagnose
Upon arrival, bloodwork showed a systemic infection, low blood volume, and hypoglycemia. Peeps also had a low body temperature. Radiographs taken showed pneumonia in both lungs. Peeps was slowly warmed to room temperature and treatment began.
Care
Once warmed, Peeps was given medication to stabilize body function and antibiotics to clear the systemic infection. Nebulization of antibiotics and antifungals was performed daily to clear the lung infection. This was likely a secondary issue due to cold stunning. While in care, Peeps developed small FP tumors. FP removal surgery was performed once stabilized.
Fun Fact
Turtles are ectothermic, meaning they cannot control their body temperature, but instead body temperature is controlled by the environment they are in. Like how land reptiles sun bathe to stay warm, turtles swim to warmer waters to maintain an appropriate body condition. If the air and water temperature become cold quickly, the turtle doesn’t have enough time to get to warmer waters. Being cold creates many issues with normal body function and they often become sick due to being immune compromised.
Released!
July 13, 2026
Peeps made a full recovery and was released back into the Atlantic Ocean on July 13, 2026!