Marathon Turtle Hospital: A Sanctuary for Healing Turtles

During my trip to the Florida Keys, the Marathon Turtle Hospital was one of the MUST SEE points on my trip, located along the Overseas Highway. It ended up being one of our first stops during our drive to Key West. In Marathon, the Turtle Hospital offers information about various sea turtle species and their history in the Florida Keys. It additionally doubles as the starting point of the guided educational tours of The Turtle Hospital. This facility aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick or injured turtles. It also focuses on public education, outreach, sea turtle research, and legislative efforts to maintain clean beaches and waters.

Get ready to visit and learn about this amazing mission in the Florida Keys!

Overview and Mission of the Marathon Turtle Hospital

The Marathon Turtle Hospital’s mission is centered around the rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual release of injured and sick sea turtles back into their natural habitat. This organization not only focuses on their healing but also emphasizes the importance of education and community involvement in conservation efforts. Through various outreach programs, the hospital raises awareness about the challenges these marine creatures face, such as pollution and habitat loss, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility among visitors and locals alike.

The facility prides itself on being an advocate for sea turtles, supporting legislative initiatives aimed at protecting their environments and ensuring the sustainability of their populations. Ultimately, the Marathon Turtle Hospital serves as a vital institution that highlights the interconnectedness of humans, wildlife, and the oceans, aiming to inspire everyone to participate in the protection and conservation of these remarkable creatures.

Navigating to the Turtle Hospital: Directions and Tips

Getting to the Marathon Turtle Hospital is a straightforward endeavor, but there are a few tips that can enhance your experience. Located at 2396 Overseas Highway, the hospital is easily accessible via Highway US 1, the scenic road that spans the Florida Keys. If you’re driving from Key West, it’s about a 50-minute journey, offering breathtaking views of the tropical landscape along the way. Be mindful of traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons, as it can slow your travel time. To make the most of your visit, consider checking for any temporary road closures or construction work that might affect your route, which can usually be found online or through local news updates. Parking is available on-site, but arriving early is advisable, especially if you’re keen on taking a morning tour when the weather is cooler.

Admission Details: Hours, Pricing, and Additional Information

When planning your visit to the Marathon Turtle Hospital, it’s important to know the admission details to maximize your experience. The facility operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, with guided tours offered at specific intervals throughout the day. To ensure a spot, it’s wise to check the schedule in advance and make reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons when demand is high. As for pricing, general admission is reasonably set to support the hospital’s conservation efforts, with tickets typically priced around $30 for adults and $15 for children aged 4-12. Children under 4 are free, making it a family-friendly outing. Additionally, the hospital provides discounts for groups and local residents. It’s also beneficial to consider the option of purchasing a family membership, which offers unlimited access to tours while supporting ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Remember, every ticket purchased goes directly towards the care of the turtles, allowing you to contribute to vital conservation work while enjoying an educational and fun-filled day!

Where to Purchase Tickets

In order to visit their turtles YOU MUST BE APART OF A GUIDED TOUR! They will not let you in otherwise. We had bought our tickets a month in advance when we were planning out our trip and we were glad that we did. Due to the facility’s size, and for the safety of people and the sea turtles, the tour groups are capped to around 25 people per tour. Our tour time was completely booked. People kept dropping in to check for availability, but ended up having to book for a later date. So if you are planning on visiting The Turtle Hospital, I recommend purchasing your ticket(s) ahead of time.

What to Expect at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

The guided tours last approximately one hour. Multiple tours are offered throughout the day during the Center’s operational hours. Each tour begins with a brief orientation and educational session covering sea turtles, the facility’s history and operation, Florida’s sea turtle legislation, and ways to support the Hospital. The walking tour then explores the facility and its various turtle tanks, showcasing turtles at different recovery stages.

The majority of their turtles are rehabilitating and will be released back into the water where they were rescued. However, there are a few permanent residents at the hospital because their conditions makes them unable to survive in the wild. As a result, they are cared for and spend the rest of their lives at the hospital. These turtles are up for adoption. In return, you received monthly updates about your turtle and letters from him or her. The proceeds go to helping feed the turtle and to their medical care and treatment.

What to Expect: My Experience

We had arrived 30 minutes early and entered the Sea Turtle Center and began filling out forms. Once completed, we checked in for our tour time and then began to walk around the room of the facility reading the plethora of information that covered the walls. It was incredible how much information was on those walls! They had information on the different types of sea turtles, the dark history of illegal trading of sea turtles, the Hospital’s and Center’s success stories, how people can help the cause, and much more. I was still reading information by the time our tour started.

Following the tour guide, everyone entered into the informational session’s room where we were given a short presentation. From there we were moved into the hospital to view the imaging room and the surgical suite. Sometimes there are procedures going on at the same time as a tour and the tour will be able to view the imaging of the turtle. When we were there, a turtle had just been brought into the facility that got hit by a boat. They were in the imaging room while we were there but due to the nature of the turtle, they kept the outside viewing closed. Afterward we began the walking portion of the tour, viewing many turtles and turtle tanks.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Is It Worth It?

The walking portion was the majority of the tour and it was worth it. There were so many tanks and turtles to learn about and view. All of them were in different stages of recovery and exhibiting different injuries or illnesses. Though it’s unfortunate that many turtles are in this state, the facility ensures they receive care and will eventually be released into the ocean. During the tour, the guide shared each turtle’s story and the safe, environment-friendly paint used for their names. In the final tank, the guide distributed food, allowing us to witness the sight of turtles surfacing to enjoy the treats.

Training Protocols for Staff and Volunteers

At the Marathon Turtle Hospital, the training protocols for staff and volunteers are meticulously designed to ensure the highest standard of care for the sea turtles. Orientation sessions introduce new team members to the hospital’s mission, the specific needs of various turtle species, and the protocols for their rehabilitation. Hands-on training is a key component, where volunteers are taught how to safely handle and assess turtles, identify signs of distress, and administer basic first aid. Ongoing education is emphasized, with regular workshops and updates on the latest research in marine biology and conservation tactics.

Rehabilitation Success Stories of Turtle Hospital

At the Marathon Turtle Hospital, rehabilitation success stories abound, showcasing the transformative journeys of sea turtles that have overcome incredible odds. Each patient to pass through the hospital’s doors brings with them a story of resilience, from entanglement in fishing gear to encounters with boat strikes. One notable example is the case of a hawksbill turtle named “Hope,” who was rescued with severe shell damage and dehydration. After weeks of specialized care, including wound treatment and hydration therapy, Hope made a remarkable recovery and was successfully released back into the wild, a testament to the dedication of the hospital’s staff.

These heartwarming stories not only highlight the skilled veterinary and rehabilitative care provided but also serve as vital reminders of the importance of marine conservation efforts. Through the hard work and commitment of the entire team, each rescued turtle symbolizes hope for their species and a brighter future for our oceans.

Educational Insights: Fun and Fascinating Sea Turtle Facts

When visiting the Marathon Turtle Hospital, you’ll not only witness the incredible work done for sea turtles but also gain valuable insights into their unique biology and behavior. Sea turtles have been around for over 100 million years, making them some of the oldest reptiles still in existence today. Surprisingly, they can hold their breath for several hours while diving, thanks to their efficient respiratory system. Another fascinating fact is that sea turtles can rotate their necks nearly 90 degrees, allowing them to have a wider field of vision compared to other reptiles.

Additionally, many sea turtle species are known for their long migrations, traveling thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds. For a fun twist, did you know that sea turtles are attracted to bright lights? This is why it’s essential for visitors to help protect nesting sites by minimizing artificial lighting during nesting season. These educational insights serve to deepen our appreciation for these majestic creatures and highlight the importance of conservation efforts at facilities like the Marathon Turtle Hospital.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Turtle Hospital in Marathon stands as a beacon of hope for sea turtle conservation and environmental legislation. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a vital hub for sea turtle well-being, including the beloved rescue, Bubble Butt, offering education, rehab, rehabilitation, and unwavering dedication. Visiting isn’t just an excursion—it’s a chance to contribute to the meaningful journey of preserving oceans and the incredible turtles that inhabit them. Immerse yourself in this sanctuary of care, witnessing the positive impact of collective efforts in protecting our underwater friends.

If you’re ever in Marathon, Florida, the Sea Turtle Center and The Turtle Hospital are definitely worth the trip. Be sure to book your tour in advance!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Some Common Injuries or Illnesses Treated at the Marathon Turtle Hospital?

Common injuries or illnesses treated at a marathon turtle hospital include boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastics, and infections. These facilities provide critical care and rehabilitation to injured sea turtles, helping them recover and return to their natural habitat.