Mote Marine Laboratory

Sea Turtle Exhibit and

Rehabilitation Hospital

Case Synopsis for Edgar

(A-92)

Species: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Age Class: Juvenile

Gender: Unknown

Date Stranded: 15 September 1992

Location of Stranding: Treasure Island, FL

Date of Arrival at Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital : 15 September 1992

Number of Days of Care: Permanent resident

Final Disposition: Edgar is on display at the Sea Turtle Exhibit

Comments/Disposition: This turtle was found in a nest during a routine post-hatch excavation. Due to unusually light pigmentation and extreme lethargy, Edgar was brought to MML for care. The light pigmentation of its body inhibits the turtle form camouflaging itself properly in natural habitats, and it renders it extremely prone to severe sunburns. If Edgar had been left in its nest, it probably would have perished, as most amelanistic and deformed hatchlings usually do. Edgar’s sex is unknown until it reaches maturity.

Lessons: Lessons were learned regarding hatchling rearing, tube feeding and turtle diet.

Original Design Donated by ABACUS Digital Design

Modifications Donated by Chuck Cooper and Jeanne Martel, Creative Computer Solutions