The newest reptile on a journey to recovery at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital is one of its largest – and oldest – ever. Tipping the scales at 322 pounds, ‘Lenny’ the loggerhead turtle was rescued on March 14 with significant injuries to one of his front flippers and head from a predator attack. Mike Papish, a diver and underwater photographer, spotted Lenny having trouble swimming on an earlier dive. He worked with staff from the Turtle Hospital and Sundance Water Sports to secure the massive patient and transport him to the Middle Keys hospital for rehab. After collecting blood samples, X-rays and measurements, treatment so far for the loggerhead has included broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, pain meds, vitamins, wound care and Class 4 laser treatment. Turtle Hospital rehabbers say they hope for a full recovery for Lenny, who is estimated to be more than 60 years old and could return to the wild just in time for mating season. TURTLE HOSPITAL/Contributed
