Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff released a subadult loggerhead sea turtle, nicknamed Chipi, back into the Gulf of Mexico off Casey Key.
Chipi stranded in October 2019 in Charlotte County. A citizen reported a lethargic sea turtle from Boca Grande Pass. As is customary, Mote staff offered him the chance to name the turtle, and he chose “Chipi” after his dog.
Chipi showed lethargy and neurologic issues likely due to red tide exposure. Read Chipi’s full case report here.
Though Mote Aquarium and other public-facing operations are temporarily closed to protect public health amid COVID-19, Mote’s mission of marine science, education and animal rescue continues. Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital and many other programs continue working around the clock to help our oceans. With the loss of revenue from Mote Aquarium, support from the community means now more than ever. Thanks to the generosity of the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, individual donations up to $500 will be matched by calling Andria Piekarz, Mote Director of Development, at 941.388.4441 ext. 352.
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