Marathon Turtle Hospital: So sad but so happy someone is helping

Just a 10 minute bike ride from the marina, the Marathon Turtle Hospital was a visit I won't ever forget. Its far from a fancy facility, with a variety of tank sizes under a cover that keeps the heat of the sun off of those that are healing and will return to the wild and those that are permanent residents. 
A few of the permanent residents suffer from a syndrome called Bubble Butt. The name may be funny but these guys have heavy weights glued on their backs to help them swim underwater. Without the weights they could only float on top of the water. The result would be to die of starvation. The most common cause of this injury is boat props. Slow down people and keep an eye on your surroundings!!
Others had intestinal injuries from eating plastic bags or balloons. In the water these resemble jelly fish to a turtle. Tom and I have seen so many mylar balloons and floating garbage bags while boating the ocean. It is really upsetting. If you would like to read more google Marathon turtle hospital. You can even adopt one of the turtles to support their care. You receive a photo and periodic updates. I did this using my granddaughters names so they would get the updates. They really enjoyed it.