SeaWorld Orlando Releases Loggerhead Turtle

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team Returns Loggerhead Turtle

Feb. 20, 2013 -- This morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team traveled to Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, Fla., to return an adult loggerhead turtle into the ocean. The turtle earned the nickname, “Lazarus: The Presumed Dead Loggerhead” because he was reported to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office on August 7, 2012, as a possible dead body in the Indian River Lagoon. However, when officers arrived on the scene, they discovered a loggerhead sea turtle, instead.

SeaWorld Orlando was called to rescue the 160-pound animal. Upon arrival, Lazarus did not have any apparent health issues but would not eat or dive. The park’s animal experts provided the appropriate care and rehabilitation, and after performing medical tests, administering anti-fungal antibiotics, and ensuring he was eating well, Lazarus gradually began to improve.  He continued to receive ’round-the-clock care right up to his return this morning.

The officers who initially found Lazarus played a part in returning him to his ocean home. Three Brevard County Officers reunited with Lazarus at SeaWorld Orlando this morning and were on-site at Lori Wilson Park to help return Lazarus to his ocean home. As of this morning, Lazarus weighed 190 pounds, is nearly three feet long, and is believed to be 20-30 years old.

So far in 2013, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued four sea turtles and returned four to the ocean.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care.  The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue and rehabilitate ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades.  SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

PHOTOS: © 2013 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.