As a stranding coordinator at Florida’s Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, Sarah Kamen is no stranger to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles.
But when a loggerhead sea turtle named “Chlorophyllis” came under her care in late March, she realized right away that this was going to be a particularly tough case.
“This morning, we got a call about a sea turtle that had been accidentally hooked at one of the local fishing piers,” Kamen shared in a TikTok video. “As you can see, [she’s] covered in lots of algae and barnacles.”
In addition to the growths on her shell, Chlorophyllis also had a hook in her mouth and an internal fragment seen on radiographs.
“Sea turtles that come into rehab looking like this really pull at our heart strings,” Kamen added.
The stranding coordinator explained that thick algae grows on slow-moving sea turtles when they are sick and lethargic.
“This allows critters and algae to rapidly grow on its shell,” she said. “While removing the barnacles and algae is part of the rehab process, our first priority is the animal's health. Barnacle removal and scrubbing of the shell can cause additional injury and pain to the turtle if done too soon in the healing process.”
“So, for now,” she added, “we prioritize feeding, dedicating, lots of rest, and lots of love.”
After immediate medical attention and a daily diet of fish, Chlorophyllis was ready for her “spa day” roughly a month into her recovery.
“The moment everyone has been waiting for is here!” Kamen shared in a TikTok video on April 23. “Chlorophyllis has gotten some of her spunk back and was ready for a much-needed spa day! After lots of close observation, we felt that she was strong enough to have those barnacles removed!”
In the video, Kamen showed the satisfying crunches and snaps of barnacle removal, as Chlorophyllis looked visibly relieved. After removing a barnacle on her chin, Kamen even gave her an affectionate “boop” on the nose.
“While she still has a long way to go, small progress is a big win here at the center,” Kamen said in the video’s narration. “I hope this is as satisfying for you to watch as it was for me to do.”
After another month of rehabilitation, Chlorophyllis had regained her strength, energy, and appetite and was ready for re-release.
On May 22, Chlorophyllis was finally released back into the ocean, her flippers waving excitedly as she dove back into the warm waters, her shell gleaming in the sun.
“Two months in rehab and lots of fish snacks and medical care later, Phyllis was ready to make her new ocean debut,” Kamen shared in a TikTok video caption. “She’s practically unrecognizable now — in the best way.”
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Header image via Rachael Partridge / TikTok
