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Former President Carter helps release rehabbed sea turtle

Former President Jimmy Carter; his wife, Rosalynn; and about 40 other family members have helped release a rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle off the Florida Keys.

"Salty" was released after the Carters, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren toured The Turtle Hospital. The facility opened in 1986 and has treated and released more than 2,000 injured sea turtles.

Salty had convalesced at the hospital since October after being discovered floating near Sombrero Lighthouse about six miles off the Keys. Salty had suffered an intestinal impaction and a lung infection. Hospital staff administered antibiotics, a specially formulated laxative to treat constipation, and a diet of squid and fish.

The Carters' visit to the hospital was part of their family vacation in the Keys. 

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Former President Jimmy Carter in Florida Keys to visit turtle hospital, release turtle
Andy Newman / Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
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Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
Former President Jimmy Carter in Florida Keys to visit turtle hospital, release turtle

Former President Jimmy Carter and about 40 of his family members are vacationing in the Florida Keys and the visit to the hospital was a facet of their trip.
Andy Newman / Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
/
Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
Former President Jimmy Carter and about 40 of his family members are vacationing in the Florida Keys and the visit to the hospital was a facet of their trip.

Former President Jimmy Carter and about 40 of his family members are vacationing in the Florida Keys and the visit to the hospital was a facet of their trip.
Andy Newman / Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
/
Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
Former President Jimmy Carter and about 40 of his family members are vacationing in the Florida Keys and the visit to the hospital was a facet of their trip.

Former President Jimmy Carter and about 40 of his family members are vacationing in the Florida Keys and the visit to the hospital was a facet of their trip.
Andy Newman / Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
/
Florida Keys News Bureau via AP
Former President Jimmy Carter and about 40 of his family members are vacationing in the Florida Keys and the visit to the hospital was a facet of their trip.

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