Initial Assessment
Fig
Green, Juvenile
(Chelonia mydas)
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- September 21, 2025
- Location
- Hudson; Pasco County
- Reason for Rescue
- entanglement
- Weight
- 5.32 kg (11.7 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 37.7 cm
- Exam Findings
- Large fibropapilloma tumor on left eye that obstructs vision. Minor load on soft tissue and around body. Relatively good body condition. Minor ligature injury to left front flipper from entanglement.
- Initial Treatment
- vitamin injections and fluids
Fig
Fig is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found entangled in fishing line near Hudson, FL on Sept. 21, 2025. The entanglement caused a small ligature injury to their right front flipper. Fig also has fibropapilloma tumors with a large tumor on their left eye that is obstructing their vision. Fig’s initial treatment plan consisted of fluids and vitamin injections.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Trees!
Treatment Updates
- 9.23.25
-
Fig was swim tested for the first time. They were active in water. We will continue to monitor and increase their swim time as they improve.
- 9.24.25
-
Fig went for a CT scan. There were no signs of obvious internal tumors! Our goal is to get Fig healthy to undergo surgery to remove their fibropapilloma tumors. We are currently monitoring their appetite as there is no interest in food.
- 10.1.25
-
Fig started to display lethargic behaviors. Based on recheck labwork, Fig was started on a more intensive treatment plan that consists of daily fluid therapy, antibiotics, steroids, and multiple vitamin injections.
- 10.17.25
-
Fig has greatly improved! They are able to be in deep water all day and overnight. They are eating on their own as well. Our goal now is to get them healthy to undergo tumor removal surgery.
All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-25/26-172.
