Loggerhead Sea Turtle Molly's Remarkable Recovery: From Surgery to Ocean Release
A loggerhead sea turtle named Molly, weighing 170 pounds, underwent a successful surgery to remove a life-threatening tumor near her head. Molly was found tangled in fishing lines attached to a crab trap by a charter fisherman in the Florida Keys. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, managed Molly's recovery, providing her with fluid treatment, antibiotics, and vitamins to prepare her for surgery.
The 10.1-pound tumor was the main concern for Molly's health, as it was causing her to become anemic. After a 3-hour-long operation to remove the tumor, Molly underwent bloodwork to ensure she was ready to return to the ocean. Before her release, Molly was fitted with a satellite tracking device to monitor her recovery and journey. The tracker, costing $5,000, was attached to Molly's shell using nonheat epoxy.
Molly was transported to Higgs Beach in Key West in a "turtle ambulance" for her release. A crowd of over 100 people gathered to witness Molly's return to the ocean. Once on the sand, Molly made her way into the water and swam away, marking the end of her recovery journey. The tracker will remain attached to Molly's shell for six months to two years, allowing the public to track her progress.