WATCH: Brevard Zoo Releases 370-Pound Loggerhead, Largest-Ever Sea Turtle Patient

By  //  October 21, 2020

All seven of the world’s sea turtle species are threatened by human hunting

ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard County Fire Rescue’s Ocean Rescue crew assisted Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Release Team to return Perseverance, or “Vera”, back to the sea at Lori Wilson Park.

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo released 370-pound female loggerhead sea turtle Perseverance this morning in Cocoa Beach following a successful rehabilitation stint at the Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center.

Brevard County Ocean Rescue (BCOR) helped transport the reptile from the parking lot to the release site.

Named after NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, this sea turtle was observed struggling to nest by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in late July.

An exam conducted on the beach revealed abnormalities such as an old, healed injury on the shell; swelling; and weakness.

After several nights of failed nesting attempts, Perseverance was rescued with assistance from BCOR and the University of Central Florida, then transported to the Healing Center on July 31.

Ultrasounds indicated she had difficulty passing eggs; she was induced by veterinarians and laid over 100 eggs, which were ultimately buried for incubation on a beach in southern Brevard County.

Perseverance was also treated with nutritional support, fluids, and medications before being deemed ready for release.

All seven of the world’s sea turtle species are threatened by human hunting, entanglement in fishing equipment, marine debris, shrinking beaches, pollution, and climate change.

Individuals who find distressed sea turtles in Brevard County should contact Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646 or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC.

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