Grant: 24-015R
Project Title: Sea Turtle Healing Center Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
Project Manager: Trevor Zachariah, DVM, MS, DACZM
Organization: East Coast Zoological Society of Florida (Brevard Zoo) (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $21,732.50
Completion Date:
Summary: This project will support the diagnostic imaging equipment needs of the East Coast Zoological Society of Florida Sea Turtle Healing Center (STHC), a behind-the-scenes, 2,400-square-foot facility dedicated to rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles at Brevard Zoo. Run by two full-time staff members with support from 75 regular volunteers and a world-class veterinary team, the STHC takes in rescued sea turtles and rehabilitates them back to health through nutrition, medical care, and enrichment. Since its inception, the number of patients brought into the center for treatment has grown by 157%, due in part to the growing number of marine turtles suffering with the deadly fibropapillomatosis virus. This project will purchase two urgently needed pieces of veterinary equipment for the STHC: a stationary radiology generator for smaller patients and a portable radiology generator for larger patients. This equipment will replace the STHC's two existing generators, one of which is non-functioning and the other of which is nearing the end of its useful life. These imaging tools are critical to allow veterinary staff to diagnose internal conditions such as broken bones, bone infection, pneumonia, foreign bodies, internal tumors, and more. By enabling a more informed and efficient use of veterinary care, these tools will help maintain and increase the STHC's annual capacity and improve conservation outcomes for marine turtles.
Results: