Ep 2. Hatch Me if You Can

In season 2 episode 2 of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa, entitled "Hatch Me if You Can," viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the Florida Aquarium's endangered sea turtle rehabilitation program. The episode focuses on two rescued turtles: a juvenile green sea turtle named Garlic and an older loggerhead turtle named Cupid.

Garlic was found floating near a dock with buoyancy issues, and upon arrival at the aquarium, the veterinary team discovered a life-threatening case of hypothyroidism. The team works to stabilize Garlic's condition and help him regain strength through a carefully planned diet. However, as he begins to show signs of improvement, the team is faced with a new challenge: getting Garlic to start eating on his own. The staff at the aquarium tries everything from live fish to hand-feeding, but Garlic continues to reject all food. The clock is ticking, as Garlic needs to start eating in order to fully recover and be released back into the wild.

Meanwhile, Cupid, the older loggerhead turtle, is also under the care of the rehab team. Cupid has been at the aquarium for over a year and has been slowly recovering from an injury that left him partially paralyzed. In this episode, viewers get to witness a milestone in Cupid's recovery as he is transferred from the pool he's been in to a larger one, enabling him to swim more freely and build up endurance.

As the team works to care for these two turtles, they also have to deal with some unexpected visitors. A family drops off a box turtle that they found in their backyard, but when they arrive at the aquarium, they discover that it's actually an invasive species known as the Asian box turtle. The team has to determine what to do with the turtle to prevent it from introducing a new species into the local ecosystem.

In addition to the turtle rehabilitation program, "Hatch Me if You Can" also features some of the other animals at the aquarium. Viewers get to meet a pair of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters named Oliver and Olivia, who are being trained to participate in their own medical care. They also get an up-close look at the aquarium's breeding program for seahorses, known for their unique courtship rituals.

Overall, "Hatch Me if You Can" provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of animal rehabilitation and conservation. Through the stories of Garlic, Cupid, and the other animals at the Florida Aquarium, viewers can gain a greater understanding of the importance of protecting these creatures and their habitats.