So in the Florida Keys, they not only have ambulances for people but for sea turtles too! Today we went to The Turtle Hospital. It truly is just like it sounds. They rehabilitate sick or injured sea turtles and return them to the wild as soon as possible. They perform surgeries frequently. Their three most common problems are shell damage due to collision with a boat, ingestion of garbage including fishing hooks and lines, and viral tumors. Most turtles in distress are spotted by boaters, fishermen or people on the beach and they call either the hospital themselves or the Florida Wildlife Agency to come and get them. It opened in 1984 and was the first sea turtle hospital. Some of these turtles (5 different kinds) can weigh from 100 to 2000 pounds! Not a typo!!! :) Huge! All of which are on the endangered list. This was a fun place and very interesting.
We met a family at the campground from Colorado! They have 2 kids around the same age. The girl even went with us to the turtle hospital and later back at the campground all 4 kids swam in the pool for HOURS together. May actually see them again since they are from our neck of the woods!
So Florida Key's facts: Beginning to end, little over 100 miles. 42 bridges connecting 100 islands, and there are 1700 total islands in the Keys! There is your US Geography lesson for the day! :) **Sara
Great geography lesson, thanks!
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