Brevard Zoo Rescues Sub-Adult Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Found Stranded in Indian River County

Prosecco was found struggling to swim by a boater and brought to shore

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – ‘Prosecco’, a sub-adult Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was rescued by Brevard Zoo after being found stranded on February 18 in Indian River County. Prosecco was found struggling to swim by a boater and brought to shore.

This patient presented thin, dehydrated, and had some deep lacerations on their front flippers. Radiographs uncovered a large bulla and pneumocoelom.

This means they have a possible tear in their lung leaking air into their body cavity. Prosecco received a CT scan after intake, which confirmed what radiographs showed the Brevard Zoo.

This can cause difficulty breathing, but Prosecco has been able to regulate their oxygen levels well and does not appear to show signs of distress.

This condition has left this sea turtle buoyant, however, so it is unable to dive for food. Brevard Zoo’s volunteers help by trying to feed this patient with tongs.

In attempts to close the tear, Brevard Zoo is tried multiple blood patches and attempted relieving the extra air from their body, but Prosecco continues to refill with air. Surgery may be in this sea turtle’s near future to fix the tear.

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