Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is a functioning veterinary hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured sea turtles in the Florida Keys. Rather than operating as a traditional aquarium or zoo, the facility gives visitors a look at the practical work involved in treating marine wildlife. Its goals also include public education and research related to sea turtle health and threats.

The rehabilitation facility includes individual treatment tanks, areas for turtles nearing release, hatchling tanks, and a large saltwater pool for turtles that cannot return to the wild. Some residents remain at the hospital permanently because of disabilities that prevent successful release, while other turtles continue through rehabilitation before returning to the sea. The hospital also maintains hurricane tanks designed to protect patients during severe storms. A visit suits travelers interested in marine wildlife, veterinary care, and conservation work, with the emphasis placed on real patients and their recovery rather than a collection of display animals.