After the sad story of the beached sperm whale that died near Venice Beach last week, we've got some good news to share today.

Earlier this morning, Mote Marine Laboratory released a subadult loggerhead sea turtle into the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed Clarice, as it's believed to be female, the turtle has been recovering at Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital since Halloween night in 2023, when she was found adrift three miles off the coast from the Venice Fishing Pier, weighed down by an abundance of epibiota (typically parasitic organisms that live on other living organisms) and showing signs of anemia and low blood glucose.

Upon her arrival at the hospital, Mote's care team determined that Clarice was suffering from what the suspected was "debilitated turtle syndrome," a condition in which turtles become lethargic and anemic. Clarice was placed in a rehab pool with shallow water so she could gradually adjust to her surroundings. Still, despite her weakened state, she showed a spark of resilience by eagerly foraging on capelin and squid.

In the following days and weeks, Clarice's condition improved steadily. With each day, she became more active, and her tank depth was adjusted accordingly. Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital staff carefully monitored her diet and strength. Regular treatments, including antibiotics, iron injections, and deworming, helped her recovery process, and after 140 days of care and rehabilitation, Clarice was deemed fit for release. 

Clarice has been outfitted with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) and flipper tags, which provide identification data for Clarice if future needs arise. She was released at Lido Beach and was carried into the water due to a previous injury to one of her flippers. Although she initially swam in the wrong direction, Clarice, with the help of Mote's Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital Staff, found the sea. 

"Tagging Clarice before her release was crucial for her future well-being," says Lynne Byrd, Mote's rehabilitation and medical care manager. "If Clarice ever requires rescue or encounters any challenges in the ocean, she can be readily identified and provided with appropriate assistance."

Within Sarasota or Manatee county waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale, call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at (888) 345-2335. If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922).