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‘Sir Hooks a Lot’, ‘Stag’ Return to Ocean After Brevard Zoo Rehabilitates Injured Sea Turtles

By  //  May 18, 2026

Two juvenile green sea turtles are back in the Atlantic after a successful public release Thursday afternoon at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach following months of rehabilitation at the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Healing Center at Brevard Zoo. (Brevard Zoo Image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Two juvenile green sea turtles are back in the Atlantic after a successful public release Thursday afternoon at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach following months of rehabilitation at the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Healing Center at Brevard Zoo.

Sir Hooks a Lot and Stag returned home to the ocean after recovering from serious injuries caused by discarded fishing gear in two separate rescues near Jetty Park Pier at Port Canaveral.

Sir Hooks a Lot was rescued in January by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society after being discovered entangled in fishing line and lures while struggling in the water near the popular fishing pier.

Two juvenile green sea turtles are back in the Atlantic after a successful public release Thursday afternoon at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach following months of rehabilitation at the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Healing Center at Brevard Zoo. (Brevard Zoo Image)

The turtle had a large lure with three treble hooks embedded in multiple areas, including the right eyelid and right front flipper, while fishing line was tightly wrapped around the neck and front flippers.

Brevard Zoo’s veterinary team carefully removed the hooks and line, then treated Sir Hooks a Lot for injuries and pneumonia with antibiotics, fluid therapy and pain medication. Thanks to extensive care, the turtle made a full recovery without lasting damage to the eyes or flippers.

Two juvenile green sea turtles are back in the Atlantic after a successful public release Thursday afternoon at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach following months of rehabilitation at the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Healing Center at Brevard Zoo. (Brevard Zoo Image)

Stag arrived at the rehabilitation center in February after also being found wrapped in fishing line around the head, neck and flippers. The entanglement contributed to pneumonia and buoyancy issues, requiring months of medical care, rest and nutritional support.

After successful rehabilitation, both juvenile green sea turtles were cleared for release and made their long-awaited journey back to the ocean in front of supporters gathered on Cocoa Beach.

Two juvenile green sea turtles are back in the Atlantic after a successful public release Thursday afternoon at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach following months of rehabilitation at the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Healing Center at Brevard Zoo. (Brevard Zoo Image)

The rescue and recovery of Sir Hooks a Lot and Stag serve as another reminder of the dangers discarded fishing gear poses to marine life and the importance of proper disposal to help protect Florida’s sea turtles.