Small Fry The 1-Eyed Sea Turtle Back Home In Gulf

CLEARWATER, FL — While the Clearwater Marine Aquarium may be closed to the public due to the coronavirus outbreak, its work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine life continues.

On Thursday, the aquarium celebrated the release of a one-eyed juvenile green sea turtle named Small Fry into the gulf waters at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs.

“Small Fry was found floating by a fisherman in New Port Richey on Dec. 11,” said Dr. Shelly Marquardt. “Upon intake at CMA’s surgical suite, a physical exam was performed and found that Small Fry had a mild case of fibropapilloma tumors, however, there was a very large tumor on his left eye.”

CMA’s veterinarian determined that Small Fry required surgery to remove the tumor and determine if the eye was still functional. After examining his eye, the severity of the tumor was extensive and a complete removal of Small Fry’s left eye was necessary. At 10 pounds, Small Fry’s treatment plan consisted of fluids, vitamins and a good diet.

“Small Fry recovered well from surgery and began eating shortly after,” said Marquardt. “We continued to monitor Small Fry’s post-operative progress, but he never showed any complications from the loss of his eye.”

Small Fry was cleared for release by Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s veterinarian and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

To support the aquarium's efforts to rescue marine wildlife, visit this website.