Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center to Release Two Sea Turtles at Lori Wilson Park on Cocoa Beach
By Space Coast Daily // November 22, 2022
Juvenile green sea turtle Debbi and sub-adult loggerhead Phyllis will return to ocean
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center plans to release two sea turtles on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. Juvenile green sea turtle Debbi and sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle Phyllis will return to the ocean at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.
Although these turtles have differing rehabilitation stories, both were found sick or injured and brought to the Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center for care.
Loggerhead sea turtle Phyllis was brought to the Zoo on August 9 and, upon intake, was very debilitated. This sea turtle was lethargic, emaciated, anemic, and had poor body condition.
Their shell was covered with epibiota-like barnacles. Phyllis was treated with an anti-parasitic medication as well as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, nutritional support, fluid therapy, routine blood evaluations, and lots of rest.
In addition, this patient had a very small fibropapillomatosis tumor removed from the right side of their face. At the time of arrival, Phyllis was 125 pounds.
By the time this sea turtle was deemed ready for release, it weighed 170 pounds.
Green sea turtle Debbi arrived at the Zoo on September 4 after being hooked by a recreational fisher. Upon arrival, the Zoo’s team noticed that Debbi had previously ingested multiple hooks in addition to having a small parasite load. Despite this, this patient has a good body condition.
Over the past two months, Debbi underwent hook removal and was also treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, anti-parasitic medication, fluid therapy, routine blood evaluation, and nutritional support before being deemed ready for release.
This event is open to the public. Please note that this release will happen rain or shine. If there is lightning in the area, we will release as soon as it clears and is deemed safe.
All media personnel are asked to check in with the Zoo’s communications team upon arrival.
Fins will be in the water at 10 a.m., so media are advised to arrive early.
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