The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida is helping Sea Turtles survive!
The Turtle Hospital is a great family destination stop while visiting the Florida Keys. Kids will not only enjoy the visit to the Turtle Hospital but they will learn how wonderful and beautiful Sea Turtles are and how important it is to protect them. The hospital is located in the heart of the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 48.5 on Overseas Highway. The Turtle Hospital had four main goals when it first opened its doors in 1986. First, it wanted to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and return them back into their natural environment. Secondly, they wanted to educate the public on sea turtles through outreach programs and visits to local schools. Thirdly, they wanted to work with state universities in conducting and assisting with the research of helping sea turtles. Lastly, they wanted to make the beaches and water safer and cleaner for sea turtles. With the Hidden Harbor Marine Environment Project, a charitable corporation, the Hidden Harbor Motel provides the buildings and space needed to house and care for sea turtles. The Turtle Hospital is capable of performing a variety of surgeries on different types and sizes of sea turtles by using high-tech equipment which, mostly has been donated by local hospitals, doctors and environmentally friendly organizations and individuals. The Turtle Hospital can treat a variety of injuries and illnesses including flipper amputations, shell damage, intestinal impactions but the most common surgery performed are the removal of debilitating viral tumors that affect over 50% of sea turtles in the Keys and around the world. The Turtle Hospital has successfully treated and released over 1000 Sea Turtles since it opened its doors in back in 1986. The Turtle Hospital offers tours to the public 7 days a week. Guests are taken on a 90 minute guided tour of the hospital facilities and the sea turtle rehabilitation area. Guests can also feed the permanent resident sea turtles. There are five permanent residents at the Turtle Hospital that are available for adoption. These turtles cannot be returned to their natural environment due to their injuries. The adoption of one of these sea turtles costs a mere $35.00 a year. This contribution will help provide food and medicine for the adopted sea turtle. With the adoption one will receive a biography of their sea turtle, a certificate of adoption, a picture magnet of their sea turtle, and updates on their turtle throughout the year.
Admission:
Adult $15.00
Children 4-12 years old $7.50
Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited! The Turtle Hospital (305) 743-2552
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