Molly the Sea Turtle Swims 870 Miles After 10-Pound Tumor Removed
A loggerhead sea turtle named Molly survived a 10-pound tumor removal and has now traveled over 870 miles around Florida's coast. Her recovery gives hope for endangered sea turtles worldwide.
When fisherman found Molly tangled in commercial fishing lines last August, the 170-pound loggerhead sea turtle needed far more than just freedom from the ropes. She was covered in barnacles, severely anemic, and had multiple tumors including one that weighed more than 10 pounds.
The Turtle Hospital in Florida took Molly in and immediately got to work. Staff used screwdrivers to carefully remove the barnacles that covered her shell, a sign she'd been too sick to move normally. But the real challenge was the massive tumor on her body, bigger than her head.
"Molly takes the cake for the scariest tumor I've seen," said Bette Zirkelbach, the hospital's general manager who has worked with sea turtles for nearly 14 years. The tumor was caused by fibropapillomatosis, a disease linked to poor water quality around developed areas.
The surgical team performed a three-hour operation to remove the grotesque growth. Molly passed the procedure with flying colors and immediately showed her fighting spirit by eating mackerel, squid, and lobster that same evening.
After the largest tumor came off, Molly's personality completely changed. She became feistier and stronger with each passing day, swimming confidently as she recovered from additional surgeries over the following months.
On November 25, 2025, a cheering crowd gathered at Higgs Beach as Molly returned to the ocean wearing a satellite tracking tag. Since then, she's traveled over 870 miles around southern Florida, swimming from the Keys up to Marco Island and Fort Myers before circling back.
Sunny's Take
Thousands of people now check Molly's location each morning, following her journey online. "I love Molly," one fan commented on the Sea Turtle Conservancy's Facebook updates. "I check her out each morning."
For Zirkelbach, Molly represents something bigger than one turtle's survival. "She is the hope for the future of sea turtles," she said, noting how Molly's story has helped people care more deeply about endangered species and ocean health.
Molly's incredible journey from near death to swimming free proves that even the scariest challenges can have happy endings.
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Based on reporting by Good Good Good
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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