Marine Biologist Spends 92 Days Removing Barnacles from Turtle Syrena
Marine biologist Tabitha Siegfried rescued a sea turtle named Syrena off the coast of Florida on April 10th. The turtle was covered in barnacles and suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome (DTS), leaving her weak and emaciated. Over 92 days, Siegfried provided fluids, vitamins, antibiotics, and carefully removed barnacles to avoid further injury. Syrena regained strength, began eating independently, and was released back into the Gulf of Mexico. Siegfried documented the process on Instagram, emphasizing the turtle's resilience and the importance of rehabilitation.
Key facts
- Tabitha Siegfried rescued a sea turtle named Syrena off the coast of Florida.
- Syrena was found on April 10th with debilitated turtle syndrome and covered in barnacles.
- Barnacles can limit movement, block eyes and nostrils, and cause skin damage.
- Siegfried provided fluids, vitamins, and antibiotics before removing barnacles.
- The rehabilitation process took 92 days.
- Syrena was released back into the Gulf of Mexico.
- Siegfried documented the rescue on Instagram.
- The turtle was named after a mermaid in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Entities
Artists
- Tabitha Siegfried
Institutions
- Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center
- The Dodo
- My Modern Met
Locations
- Florida
- Gulf of Mexico
- United States