A massive loggerhead sea turtle is getting some much-needed care at Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, La. The enormous male turtle was found in July floating upside down at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Grand Chenier. Fortunately, some members of the public spotted the endangered turtle and called Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network for help. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Audubon teamed up to secure and move the turtle. 

Now named Francois, the turtle was severely dehydrated and underweight when Audubon's team brought him back to their rehab facility on the West Bank. Francois is getting antibiotics and other treatment as he recovers. When the Audubon team initially placed him into water, they realized he is “positively buoyant,” meaning he cannot successfully dive into deeper water. Additional medical tests are needed to get more information about his health and determine the best course of treatment. 

Francois weighs about 200 pounds and is slowly gaining weight. His care team says he especially enjoys shrimp, squid, and smelt. Adult loggerhead sea turtles can weigh up to 350 pounds and live more than 70 years. Francois will remain at the Audubon Aquatic Center, receiving treatment as long as needed for his recovery.

Coordinated by Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network is NOAA Fisheries’ primary stranding network response partner for marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network is committed to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals in Louisiana. It is the only entity in the state responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles. The information collected from stranded animals provides a snapshot of the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of the threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild. 

Photos Credit: © Audubon Nature Institute