While in the Keys a few weeks back, we visited the Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon. I was saddened to learn that every one of the turtles there were in the hospital because of human activity. This green turtle was covered in tumors, which develop when turtles swim through areas of runoff pollution, from pesticides and industrial areas. The pollution weakens their immune system, making it impossible to fight off a common virus which causes these tumors. The hospital rescues these turtles, removes their tumors, then keeps them for a year, allowing them to build up their immune systems again before releasing them back into the sea. Sorry for the sad post.
Oh, that really IS tragically sad, but such wonderful people to care for them and a great teaching tool to make the public aware of what's happening! Thanks for sharing this worthwhile information!
March 21st, 2018
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