“Lilly” the sea turtle went home on Tuesday, May 30, after being treated at Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s (LMC) sea turtle hospital in Juno Beach, Florida.
The large sub-adult loggerhead turtle was found last October just north of the Center with a deep shell wound above the turtle’s shoulder. LMC’s hospital staff treated the injury with antibiotics, honey and therapeutic laser treatment. The staff veterinarian also prescribed hydrotherapy to improve range of motion in the turtle’s injured flipper, creating a whirlpool in the tank.
“We have used hydrotherapy on sea turtles before in extreme cases,” said Dr. Charles Manire, LMC staff veterinarian and director of research & rehabilitation. “Implementing this rehabilitation method helped Lilly begin to move its injured flipper like never before. Essentially, it’s physical therapy for sea turtles.”
Last December, over 600 young philanthropic leaders celebrated “Life Under Printed Palms” at Beach Bash Palm Beach, presented by Lilly Pulitzer. The event raised critical funds for Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s sea turtle and ocean conservation efforts. Many of the guests will also attend Lilly’s release.
“We are proud to build upon our relationship with LMC, which first began with our Palm Beach Gardens store and we were delighted when they became the beneficiary of Beach Bash,” said Michelle Kelly, Lilly Pulitzer CEO. “As for Lilly the sea turtle, many members of the team have been able to meet her, tour LMC’s impressive facilities, and get to know the talented team. We look forward to being friends and supporters of LMC for years to come.”
“We are very grateful to our partners at Lilly Pulitzer for rallying their entire team around Lilly’s recovery,” said Jack E. Lighton, LMC president & CEO. “Their support has brought significant awareness to our mission of sea turtle and ocean conservation. Sea turtles and Lilly Pulitzer are iconic Palm Beach pairings. Due to the corporate support we have received from the Lilly Pulitzer team, guests can “follow” our patient Lilly upon her release as she will be fitted with a GPS tracker.”
Lilly’s release was at 11 a.m. at the Center. Pre-release procedures began at 10:30 a.m.
Immediately following the release, Lilly Pulitzer at The Gardens Mall hosted a sip and shop event, featuring new summer arrivals! Lilly Pulitzer will donated 10 percent of sales to Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
To track Lilly’s migration after the release, please visit marinelife.org/track.
About Loggerhead Marinelife Center:
Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a non-profit sea turtle hospital that promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. The Center features an on-site campus hospital, research laboratory, educational exhibits and aquariums, and also operates the Juno Beach Pier, a pier that hosts world-class fishing and sightseeing. Situated on one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting beaches, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open daily and hosts over 300,000 guests free-of-charge each year. For more information, visit www.marinelife.org or call (561) 627-8280.