The Clearwater Marine Aquarium makes room to handle more turtles brought in for reasons ranging from injury to illness. But these days, every square inch of space has been pressed into service for turtles. The fish tank holds seven. Turtles sick with contagious tumors have been crowded together, as many as five to a tub instead of the usual two. Normally, the aquarium hosts 20 to 25 turtles.
Caregivers work seven days a week.
Frozen squid and fish go fast. Medicine goes even faster. It impacts the animals who live there. And that includes the turtles. The aquarium is one of about 10 facilities in the state that care for sick or injured turtles.