I had never heard of a Turtle Hospital before my trip to the Florida Keys. There were so many incredible places to visit and things to see in the Keys. When I travel, I always look for places that would offer great experiences and memories for families. One of the places that I just had to share with you all was my visit to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida.
THE TURTLE HOSPITAL
What an experience it was to visit the Turtle Hospital. From the moment I walked through the doors I fell in love with the place. The caring staff, the turtles in rehab and everything the hospital stands for grabbed hold of my heart strings.
RESCUE, REHABILITATION, RELEASE
Every year about 70 sea turtles with injuries come to the turtle hospital for rehabilitation and they are released as soon as possible. Over 1200 sea turtles have been released to date!
You may wonder why sea turtles need a hospital. There are numerous reasons, some of which include flipper amputations due to being tangled in garbage such as fishing line, swallowing plastics that are in the ocean and even shell damage caused by boats.
The most common surgery that is done at the turtle hospital is for removal of Fibropapilloma – viral tumors that are debilitating to sea turtles. This disease is found in most Green sea turtle populations around the world.
ENDANGERED SEA TURTLES
There are seven species of sea turtles in the world, five of the species are found in the Florida Keys. All sea turtles are now listed as endangered, so I love that there is a place like The Turtle Hospital to help rescue, rehabilitate and release the sea turtles.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
I love the educational programs that the Turtle Hospital offers daily. These programs are about an hour and a half long and include education, a tour of the hospital (and operating rooms) and up close experiences with the turtle patients that are in care at the time.
SEA TURTLE ADOPTION
Unfortunately, some sea turtles become permanent residents of the Turtle Hospital if they can not be released. I love that the hospital offers a Turtle adoption program. Adoption does not mean that you can keep a turtle, but it does mean that for $35 a year you will receive a photo and biography of your turtle, a certificate of adoption, and updates on your turtle throughout the year. The money goes towards food and medicine for your sea turtle.
TURTLE HOSPITAL STORE
I made sure to pop by the gift shop before I left. I picked up a little crocheted turtle finger puppet and a toy stuffed turtle as gifts for my daughters. These keepsakes remind us to think of the turtles and educate others about The Turtle Hospital.
When you visit the Florida Keys, be sure you take time to visit the The Turtle Hospital. It is an experience you will never forget.
View the video on the Mommy Moment Facebook Page.
I was invited on a media trip to the Florida Keys. All opinions are my own.
Jeanette says
I would love to explore this! I know my kiddo would too. If I ever get down there I will be checking this place out.
Lisa Favre says
What a sweet institution! I have always been a huge fan of turtles and love to know that there are establishments out there aiming for a great cause.
Brianne says
We watched a sea turtle release when we were in nevis a few years back. We became members of the sea turtle conservancy and have such a tie to these wonderful creatures. So nice to see a hospital just for them!
Amy Desrosiers says
I had no idea that this place existed but I think it is so awesome! I have a special place for turtles in my heart.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to go to the Turtle Hospital to see all the turtles. They are so cute. It is so sad they are being harmed.
gingermommyrants says
The Turtle Hospital sounds like an amazing place. It would be a great learning experience for the whole family.
Liz Mays says
You’d better believe I’m going to make a point of going there. This physically made my tummy drop to see these poor little things.
Jennifer says
You know, I live in South Florida and I’ve actually passed this place several times on our way down to The Keys. It’s so sad that they get hurt by boats and debris in the water, but I’m glad that there’s some place that can give them the care that they need.
Jocelyn Cañasa Brown says
I am so happy to know that there are hospitals like this that actually exist in this world. Love it!
Meagan says
A turtle hospital? That’s incredible! Sounds like a place I’d love to visit.
Claudia Krusch says
Such a great place! So glad they are taking care of the turtles that need help!
Olivia Douglass says
I love this! I would love to visit the Florida Keys and this Turtle Hospital with my family
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
I’ve been to Florida several times, I’ve never been to The Keys — though it’s been on my travel bucket list for years. I also love checking wild animal rescue rehab places so will definitely have one more reason to go on my dream trip sooner rather than later.
Melissa @ The Staten Island family says
Thank you so much for bringing my attention to this Turtle Hospital! I can’t wait to donate and share all the incredible initiatives they are doing to keep turtles healthy and happy and the species alive and well.
Sarah says
Awe my son LOVE turtles, he always calls them nemo! Lol Good to know they are being helped and saved
Jennifer says
That looks like an awesome place to visit. So glad that they are saving the turtles!
Shelley zurek says
We often visited Bald Head island which has a Turtle conservancy. This Turtle Hospital would add greatly to our knowledge
Hali @daytodayMOMents says
Wow The Turtle Hospital is great for all that they do. How saddening to hear of how many are hurt and sick. 🙁
I will remember this when I visit in the future.
Amanda Goodenough says
A turtle hospital? That’s amazing! I wish this was close by so i could visit! What an important program
Reesa Lewandowski says
The Florida Keys are our favorite place. We would have loved to have gone to visit the Turtle Hospital!
LisaM says
Oh wow – that sounds so awesome! Q is on a “save the animals” kick so maybe we can adopt a turtle for christmas
Cheryl MacPhail says
I never knew there was such a place as a turtle hospital!! It looks like such a great spot.
Diana Corlett says
Amazing to learn that there is such a service available. It indicates that there are caring people out there who value every species on earth. Especially as we are currently witnessing bee species that are endangered. Just a bee, eh? NOPE!! Pollinators that we humans need to survive…
paula schuck says
I love turtles. Were visited a Turtle sanctuary in Grand Cayman on an excursion after our first ever cruise as a family and that was awesome. I also saw one in Martin County not far from Hobe Sound Florida. That trip I was able to go late at night to a turtle nesting tour as well. Despite getting legs bitten like crazy I loved having that experience. Love your pictures. They are wonderful.
Julie F says
This would be a great place to visit, turtles are amazing creatures!
Linda Klages says
Something we’re not going to see in ONtario – thanks for the info
T Schmidt says
What a lovely post. It’s great that such services are available.
Debbie White Beattie says
I think this is an important hospital that they run because there’s so many things out there that can hurt the turtles