The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is currently providing care for a loggerhead sea turtle that ranks among the largest patients in the facility's four-decade history. The massive reptile, estimated to be between 70 and 80 years old, was rescued on July 19 after being spotted swimming erratically about 10 miles offshore by the U.S. Coast Guard Station Key West.

Weighing just under 300 pounds, the loggerhead was transported to the Middle Keys for rehabilitation. The Coast Guard rescuers were given the honor of naming the turtle, choosing “Timmy.” Initial treatments administered by the hospital staff included fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. In-house bloodwork was performed, and blood plasma was collected for biotoxin screening, with additional samples sent for offsite blood cultures.

As of July 28, Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach reported to the Keys Weekly that Timmy is showing positive progress. The turtle is exhibiting normal behaviors and has begun eating in her initial, smaller rehabilitation tank. Zirkelbach noted that while initial concerns about a potential neurological condition have not materialized, as Timmy is not displaying related symptoms, blood results are still pending.

“At first we were afraid she might have a neurological condition, but she’s not exhibiting any of those signs, which is a good thing,” Zirkelbach told the Keys Weekly. She theorized that Timmy’s erratic swimming might have been related to mating behavior, possibly being startled by a boat or sustaining a minor injury from one, as evidenced by a small mark on her head and neck. However, the exact cause remains unknown.

Hospital staff are cautiously optimistic about Timmy’s recovery. The next step in her rehabilitation, if her current positive trend continues, will be a swim in the hospital’s large 160,000-gallon tidal pool. This marks the second exceptionally large loggerhead the hospital has treated in recent years; last year, they cared for ‘Lenny,’ a 322-pound loggerhead.

Zirkelbach observed that Timmy’s width is only 1.2 centimeters less than Lenny’s, indicating she is indeed one of the largest turtles ever treated by the hospital. Increased boat traffic during the summer season, along with hazards like discarded fishing gear and litter, pose significant threats to sea turtle populations globally.

The Turtle Hospital urges the public to report any distressed sea turtles in the Florida Keys by calling their 24/7 emergency hotline at 305-481-7669. For assistance in other locations, individuals can contact the FWC at 888-404-3922. For more information on the hospital's work, visit their website.