Mote Marine Laboratory releases rehabilitated sea turtles “Grimm” and “Monique” off Lido Beach
| Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium released two sub-adult loggerhead sea turtles—nicknamed “Grimm” and “Monique”—back into the Gulf following successful rehabilitation at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital this morning, Wednesday, April 23. The release took place off Lido Beach, with Grimm being lowered into the waves by Mote staff and Monique crawling into the surf from the beach. Both turtles were suspected to be impacted by red tide and were admitted to Mote’s hospital showing signs of toxin exposure. After receiving expert medical treatment and monitoring, they were medically cleared for release. Red tide—caused by a naturally occurring microscopic alga (Karenia brevis)—can produce toxins harmful to marine life, including sea turtles. These harmful algal blooms occur periodically along Florida’s Gulf Coast. To learn more about red tide and Mote’s ongoing research and mitigation efforts, visit mote.org. Grimm was admitted on February 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’s Turtle Beach—also suspected to be suffering from red tide exposure. Thanks to the dedicated animal care team at Mote’s 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’s Gulf Coast. “Watching these turtles return to the Gulf is the most rewarding part of what we do,” said Lynne Byrd, Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Manager. “Monique and Grimm’s journeys remind us why this work matters—because every turtle released is another step toward a healthier ocean.” Both turtles were released with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags—similar to a pet microchip—that will help researchers identify them if they are encountered again in the future. Mote’s 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. For more information about how to support sea turtle conservation or report a stranded turtle, visit www.mote.org/sea-turtles. 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. 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). For stranded dolphins or whales anywhere outside Sarasota or Manatee Counties, please call NOAA Fisheries at 1 (877) 433-8299. 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. Fast Facts: Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital has admitted 950 sick and injured sea turtles since 1995. The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital has treated all five species found in the Gulf, including turtles that were sickened during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. |