SeaWorld Orlando Returns Rescued Sea Turtle to the Ocean

After four months of specialized care, a 230-pound loggerhead sea turtle has returned to the ocean thanks to SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Team and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The sea turtle was released this morning at Sebastian Inlet. Rescued in January, the turtle was found floating in the Indian River Lagoon near Fort Pierce. It was missing its left front flipper and covered in barnacles with visible damage on its shell. At the time of rescue, the turtle weighed 218 pounds. 

The animal had eaten an abundance of sand dollars, which created blockages in its intestines. With patience, medication, and fluid therapy, the rescue team at SeaWorld removed the blockage from the sea turtle. After a clean bill of health from the veterinarians, the sub-adult loggerhead became the 12th rehabilitated sea turtle returned to the wild by SeaWorld Orlando this year.

May 23 has been annually recognized as World Turtle Day since 2000. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued nearly 2,000 sea turtles since 1980.

The successful rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles is another great example of SeaWorld’s commitment to protecting sea life. For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. More than 29,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

PHOTOS: © 2017 SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando. All Rights Reserved.