Turtle power
"Rescue, rehab, release" - that's the motto at Turtle Hospital. It opened in 1986 in Marathon to help injured sea turtles, conduct research and improve beach quality for the sea's gentle giants.
Volunteer staff conduct tours and treat the creatures, 13 of which have ailments so severe that they are permanent residents. Others have suffered flipper amputation, shell damage and internal afflictions from swallowing balloons, fishing hooks and plastic bags. The most practised surgery is removing tumours, fibropapilloma, which affects 50% of sea turtles globally. The hospital has released over 750 sea turtles; you can see the most fully recuperated turtles prepare for life outside in the hospital's pool.
For a total turtle treat, head 69 miles southwest of Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park, a seven-island archipelago that is home to numerous loggerhead, green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles and a great spot for diving and snorkelling. During May and August nights, giant sea turtles come ashore here to lay eggs.
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