Belize

Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill turtle)
Stranding date: May 30, 2006
Location:  MacArthur Beach  State Park
Initial Weight: 1 lb.  Current Weight: 5.5 lb.

 This is a juvenile hawksbill turtle that washed up on the beach.  It
was likely born on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean or South
America and was brought here by the currents.  It has a buoyancy issue, is bloated and was likely swept onto the beach by winds and seaweed.  We do not know what caused its current condition but it is eating well which is an encouraging sign for a positive future.

Hawksbill turtles were hunted for their beautiful shell.  The
"tortoise shell" pattern was highly prized for use in decorative items such as combs, razor handles, boxes, jewelry etc.  It is now illegal to sell hawksbill products because the turtles are endangered and protected by law.  However, it is still possible to find items for sale in markets in foreign countries.

 12/15/06  Belize continues to improve.  His blood values are not at the levels we require for release but he is getting there.  We expect he will be ready for release in the Spring.

5/15/07  Belize was released near the Marquesas Keys which are found to the west of Key West, Florida.  This area is a good foraging habitat for juvenile hawksbill turtles.