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Rehab complete, turtles ready for release from Florida Aquarium

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2009

TAMPA - Two sickly sea turtles rescued from the east coast of Florida are fully recuperated, thanks to treatment they got at The Florida Aquarium, and are set to make the long ride across the peninsula today to be released in the area where they were found.

The green sea turtle and loggerhead will get back into the wild later today. Both are to be released near the Port St. Lucie power plant after making the overland trip this morning.

They left their convalescent home just before 8 a.m. today.

The Florida Aquarium has an extensive sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation program, and that's why the two reptiles were brought here after they were spotted having trouble in the water.

A juvenile green sea turtle was found stranded in the Jensen Beach area. It was underweight and had heavy barnacle and algae growth on its carapace, experts say.

It was emaciated and weak and swam sideways. Veterinarians gave it fluids, vitamins and antibiotics. It gained weight and appears ready to go back to doing what sea turtles do.

A subadult juvenile loggerhead was found stranded near Sebastian Inlet. It was emaciated and lethargic with barnacles on its carapace. It also received plenty of fluids, vitamins and antibiotics.

Sea turtles are susceptible to all kinds of problems caused by the environment and humans. The rehabilitation center at the aquarium is one of just a few facilities authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The center has a full-time veterinary program and can assist in turtle rehabilitation nationwide. The emphasis is on treatment and release of the turtle back into the wild.

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760.

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