{"id":18040,"date":"2025-04-23T13:57:59","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T17:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mote.org\/?p=18040"},"modified":"2025-04-23T14:02:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T18:02:54","slug":"mote-marine-laboratory-releases-rehabilitated-sea-turtles-grimm-and-monique-off-lido-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mote.org\/news\/mote-marine-laboratory-releases-rehabilitated-sea-turtles-grimm-and-monique-off-lido-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Mote Marine Laboratory releases rehabilitated sea turtles “Grimm” and “Monique” off Lido Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium released two sub-adult loggerhead sea turtles\u2014nicknamed \u201cGrimm” and “Monique”\u2014back into the Gulf\u00a0following successful rehabilitation at Mote\u2019s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital this morning, Wednesday, April 23. The release took place off Lido Beach, with Grimm being lowered\u00a0into the waves by Mote\u00a0staff and Monique crawling into the surf from the beach.<\/p>\n

Both turtles were suspected to be impacted by red tide and were admitted to Mote\u2019s hospital showing signs of toxin exposure. After receiving expert medical treatment and monitoring, they were medically cleared for release.<\/p>\n

Red tide\u2014caused by a naturally occurring microscopic alga (Karenia brevis<\/em>)\u2014can produce toxins harmful to marine life, including sea turtles. These harmful algal blooms occur periodically along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast. To learn more about red tide and Mote\u2019s ongoing research and mitigation efforts, visit\u00a0mote.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Grimm was admitted\u00a0on\u00a0February 16, 2025, when the turtle was found floating near Sanibel, Florida (Lee County). Showing signs consistent with red tide toxicity, Grimm was transported to Mote for emergency care. Just a few weeks later, on March 6, 2025, Monique was discovered washed ashore on South Siesta Key\u2019s Turtle Beach\u2014also suspected to be suffering from red tide exposure.<\/p>\n

Thanks to the dedicated animal care team at Mote\u2019s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, both Grimm and Monique made full recoveries. Their successful release highlights the vital importance of sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, particularly during red tide events that frequently impact Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatching these turtles return to the Gulf is the most rewarding part of what we do,\u201d said Lynne Byrd, Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Manager. \u201cMonique and Grimm\u2019s journeys remind us why this\u00a0work matters\u2014because every turtle released is another step toward a healthier ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both turtles were released with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags\u2014similar to a pet microchip\u2014that will help researchers identify them if they are encountered again in the future.<\/p>\n

Mote\u2019s sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation efforts are supported in part by grants from the Sea Turtle Grants Program and Longboat Key Turtle Watch, which fund critical equipment and resources needed for rescue and recovery.<\/p>\n

For more information about how to support sea turtle conservation or report a stranded turtle, visit\u00a0www.mote.org\/sea-turtles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Within Sarasota or Manatee County waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle or marine mammal please call Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at 888-345-2335.<\/p>\n

If you see a stranded manatee or sea turtle in state waters or a stranded or of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922).\u00a0 For stranded dolphins or whales anywhere outside Sarasota or Manatee Counties, please call NOAA Fisheries at 1 (877) 433-8299.<\/p>\n

Mote’s sea turtle activities are conducted under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Turtle Permits 155, 216, 027, 054, 070, 048, 126, and 028.<\/p>\n

Fast Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n