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Charlie The Turtle Returns To Gulf

CHRIS URSO / The Tampa Tribune

After 4 months of rehabilitation, this 120-pound loggerhead was set free on Clearwater Beach Wednesday.

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By CARLOS MONCADA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2007

Photo Gallery: Swimming Home

CLEARWATER BEACH - Surrounded by dozens of beachgoers, a 120-pound loggerhead sea turtle nicknamed Charlie Brown returned to the Gulf of Mexico this morning after a trip in the back of a pickup from Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The rehabilitated turtle, whose age and sex were not known, was found four months ago near Honeymoon Island in an emaciated condition and with a serious infection.

It showed no hesitation today as it crawled toward the surf immediately after volunteers carried it onto the beach.

Within moments, "C.B." disappeared into the Gulf, to the applause of camera-wielding curiosity seekers.

"It's kind of a bittersweet day,'' said David Yates, chief executive officer of the aquarium. "We like releasing turtles back into the wild, but also our staff of volunteers gets attached to the turtles we have. But this is what we're about.''

Loggerheads are listed as threatened species, one step below endangered.

Reporter Carlos Moncada can be reached at (727) 451-2333 or cmoncada@tampatrib.com.

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