The staff of Marathon’s Turtle Hospital spent the final hours of 2023 with one of their biggest wins – and rarest finds – of the year. On Dec. 29, rescue crews were notified that a leatherback sea turtle had stranded on Miami’s South Beach. Following an effort from multiple turtle rescue agencies, the massive male – weighing in at more than 500 pounds – was transported for a brief stay in the Middle Keys. Treatment for the rare reptile included fluids, vitamins, long-acting broad spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. In less than 48 hours, “Mojo” swam free again, passing a swim test in the Turtle Hospital’s large tidal pool on Saturday night before being transported 18 miles south of Marathon to the Gulf Stream for a New Year’s Eve release, courtesy of MTI Racing.
Photos by TURTLE HOSPITAL/Contributed
