SeaWorld Returns Rescued Loggerhead Turtle To Ocean

By  //  January 9, 2014

underwent surgeries to remove fishing hooks

ABOVE VIDEO: A rescued sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was returned to Florida waters on Jan. 8 after rehabilitating at SeaWorld Orlando over the last several months following multiple surgeries to remove two fishing hooks. (SeaWorld)

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Returned to Ocean after Multiple Surgeries to Remove Fishing Hooks

BREVARD COUNTY • CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE, FLORIDA – A rescued sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was returned to Florida waters this morning after rehabilitating at SeaWorld Orlando over the last several months following multiple surgeries to remove two fishing hooks.

A rescued sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was returned to Florida waters this morning after rehabilitating at SeaWorld Orlando over the last several months following multiple surgeries to remove two fishing hooks. (SeaWorld image)
A rescued sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was returned to Florida waters this morning after rehabilitating at SeaWorld Orlando over the last several months following multiple surgeries to remove two fishing hooks. (SeaWorld image)

The turtle was rescued outside of Port Canaveral, Fla., on August 12, 2013 after being found by the Kennedy Space Center’s Ecological Program. With assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, the turtle was rescued and transported to our park for care.

Upon arrival, the turtle underwent three surgeries to remove two fishing hooks that were lodged in the turtle’s body. One was visibly lodged in the turtle’s mouth, while another hook was lodged in the lower esophagus of the turtle. Both fishing hooks were successfully removed.

After being medically cleared for today’s return, the our Animal Rescue Team transported the approximately 150-pound turtle to Canaveral National Seashore on Florida’s east coast where the turtle was successfully returned to the ocean. (SeaWorld image)
After being medically cleared for today’s return, the our Animal Rescue Team transported the approximately 150-pound turtle to Canaveral National Seashore on Florida’s east coast where the turtle was successfully returned to the ocean. (SeaWorld image)

After being medically cleared for today’s return, the our Animal Rescue Team transported the approximately 150-pound turtle to Canaveral National Seashore on Florida’s east coast where the turtle was successfully returned to the ocean.

So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued two sea turtles and returned one. Since 1980, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued more than 1,700 turtles and returned more than 1,100.

To help protect sea turtles, make sure fishing line and trash is disposed of properly. When fishing, use new “circle” hooks – sea turtles are less likely to swallow circle-shaped hooks than traditional J-shaped, which cause suffocation or internal bleeding when swallowed.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.