Julienne Fry has been healing well, but their appetite hasn’t returned.

We have a new juvenile green sea turtle calling our Sea Turtle Healing Center home for now. Julienne Fry, named for her arrival on Julienne Fries Day, came to the Healing Center after a very distressing situation.  

“Julienne Fry was wrapped in fishing line and rope, which was attached to another turtle who was unfortunately deceased. Both of these turtles were stuck to a discarded pile of PVC, netting and fishing line.” said Sea Turtle Healing Center Coordinator Jess Patterson. “A couple boating in the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian inlet discovered Julienne struggling at the surface and assisted them out of the precarious situation.” 

Julienne was then brought to our Healing Center shortly after the incident by Coastal Connections.   

Despite the traumatic situation Julienne endured, they arrived in relatively good condition. They had no major injuries, but their bloodwork showed signs of severe stress. Our animal care team immediately dispensed fluids to help with lactate buildup and antibiotics for subsequent wounds, said Jess.  

This turtle has not shown much interest in eating, possibly due to lingering stress. When our sea turtle patients don’t feel motivated to eat on their own, the veterinary team surgically places a feeding tube through the neck and into the esophagus to help them receive proper nutrition.    

Understandably, Julienne has been a bit shy as she’s adjusting to her new surroundings. However, they have begun to show

interest in enrichment items we call Itchies! Turtles often use these items to scratch their carapace, or shell, and it is a sign Julienne may be getting more comfortable.  

Julienne’s story is a stark reminder about the dangers of ghost fishing in our local waterways. Discarded fishing materials, like fishing lines, nets and pots, pose a serious threat to marine life.

If you find a turtle struggling, your first step should be to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert at 888-404-FWCC or the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. Jess also notes that reporting deceased turtles is also important information for FWC. And, if you come across any discarded fishing gear, it is crucial to properly dispose of it to prevent wildlife from becoming entangled, severely injured or killed.  

Have you found a sea turtle that needs help? Visit this page or call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. Want to help the Sea Turtle Healing Center? Support our Zoo, or view our Healing Center’s wishlist.