Brevard Zoo Releases Sea Turtle ‘Van Gogh’ Back Into the Ocean at Cocoa Beach
By Space Coast Daily // June 13, 2024
'Van Gogh' completes three-month long rehab at Sea Turtle Healing Center
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo is happy they sent another rehabilitated sea turtle back to their ocean home.
Van Gogh, the juvenile green sea turtle, was released after a three-month stay at the Sea Turtle Healing Center.
Van Gogh was released at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.
Van Gogh was taken in March of this year after being found washed ashore by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. They arrived at our doorstep lethargic, hypoglycemic, and covered in marine leeches. Van Gogh also had some mild fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. They received plenty of fluids with dextrose to help them feel better.
As for the FP, this turtle’s tumors were small and displayed signs of regression.
After examination, it was determined that no tumors needed to be removed since Van Gogh could easily continue his normal turtle behaviors.
While in the zoo’s care, it was noticed that Van Gogh got on well with the other patients. They shared a tank with another sick turtle, Winnie, and they both encouraged each other to eat.
Van Gogh’s name was chosen since the turtle’s intake date, March 30, is Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday.
