Balloon Found Inside Entangled Sea Turtle - Donkey Kong's Rescue Story

Donkey Kong, a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was rescued on June 13, 2018, with fishing gear line from a marker buoy wrapped around its flipper. The turtle was taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium's animal hospital where it was examined and received fluids. Part of an ingested plastic balloon was later discovered after passing through Donkey Kong’s body. Marine debris and plastics in the ocean are a growing problem for sea turtles and other marine life. Donkey Kong will continue to rehabilitate and be monitored at Clearwater Marine Aquarium until cleared for release.