The Turtle Hospital: Healing Flippers and Saving Lives in the Florida Keys

Drive through Marathon and you might spot a white van with bright orange stripes parked near the Old Seven Mile Bridge. That’s no ordinary vehicle — it’s the Turtle Ambulance, part of one of the most heartwarming places in the Keys: The Turtle Hospital.

A Place for Second Chances

The Turtle Hospital opened in 1986 inside a converted motel. Its mission is simple: rescue, heal, and release injured sea turtles. Over the years, the hospital has saved thousands of turtles hurt by boats, tangled in fishing gear, or sick with a virus called fibropapillomatosis — “FP” for short.

Inside, visitors can peek into the hospital’s operating room and meet the “patients” swimming in recovery tanks. Every turtle has a name, a story, and a team of caretakers cheering it on.

The Turtle Ambulance

The hospital’s white ambulance with orange stripes is hard to miss. It’s fitted with tanks and stretchers made just for sea turtles. The staff drives it all over the Keys — and sometimes even to the mainland — to rescue turtles in need. When you see that van heading down U.S. 1, it’s carrying a very special passenger.

Learning While You Visit

The Turtle Hospital isn’t just for sick turtles — it’s also about education and inspiration. Daily tours show how the staff cares for the animals and teach visitors simple ways to help. Small changes, like using reusable bags, cutting fishing lines, and turning off lights during nesting season, make a big difference for sea turtles.

Why It Matters

Every turtle released back into the ocean is a celebration. Locals and visitors often gather to watch — cheering as the turtle slides into the water and swims toward freedom. These moments remind us why caring for our oceans, reefs, and wildlife is so important in the Florida Keys.

Fun Fact: The hospital’s first patients were treated in old motel swimming pools — a creative solution that still inspires visitors today!