Featured Image Credit: SeaWorld Rescue
17 endangered sea turtles were released back into the Atlantic Ocean by the SeaWorld rescue team at Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville.
Most of these sea turtles were rescued from freezing waters by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and stabilized at the New England Aquarium before their flight to Orlando in early December.
When they arrived in Orlando, SeaWorld’s rescue team conducted full examinations of each sea turtle. Some turtles were suffered from pneumonia while some were treated for corneal ulcers and malnutrition.
The turtles were cleared to return to the ocean after three months of rehabilitation.
Among the 17 released were two sea turtles that were rescued earlier from the Atlantic Coast. One of which was treated for shell abrasions. The other suffered injuries from ingesting fishing line and hooks where SeaWorld veterinarian Dr. Lydia Staggs, conducted the hook removal surgery successfully.
Since 1980, more than 2,000 sea turtles have been rescued by the SeaWorld Orlando team.
More than 31,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device if you see an injured marine animal.