On Monday morning, August 12, Mote Marine Laboratory released a 154-pound, about 3-foot-long, subadult, female loggerhead sea turtle nicknamed “Lil’ Dougie” off Siesta Key Beach.
Lil’ Dougie’s journey began on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, when she was found floating in Blackburn Bay by Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Creative Communications Specialist Doug Johnson and his wife Susannah while they were paddle boarding. Named after Doug who played a crucial role in her rescue, Lil’ Dougie was quickly brought to Mote Marine Laboratory for emergency care.
“When we found her unable to submerge herself on Memorial Day, a day where there is heightened boat traffic, we knew we had to stay with her until Mote arrived,” said Doug Johnson. “It was just incredible to be part of this turtle’s rescue, and then, today, witness her being released again. We’re grateful to Mote for what they do, and are happy to have helped this turtle return to where she came from.”
Upon arrival at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, it was discovered that Lil’ Dougie was missing part of her left front flipper, likely due to a shark interaction. Additionally, she was suffering from anemia, lethargy, and buoyancy issues. Immediate treatments included subcutaneous fluids, injectable antibiotics, and placement in a shallow rehabilitation pool.
Despite her initial chal