SeaWorld Returns Rescued Sea Turtle To Atlantic Ocean
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| Photo Credit: SeaWorld Orlando |
TITUSVILLE, Florida -- Early
this morning, SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team members returned a
juvenile Kemp’s Ridley
sea turtle to the Florida waters at Canaveral National Seashore
following more than a year of extensive treatment and rehabilitation at
SeaWorld Orlando.
The
sea turtle was the final one to be returned of 24 that were originally
brought to SeaWorld Orlando in December 2012 after being
rescued from cold stress by the U.S. Coast Guard just off the coast of
Cape Cod, Mass. As a result of the cold stress, the sea turtle developed
severe pneumonia and suffered from tissue wounds on his neck and
flippers.
Upon
arrival at SeaWorld Orlando, the sea turtle underwent extensive
treatment, including laser debridement for tissue wounds and
a bronchoscopy to examine the lungs.
After
being medically cleared for today’s return, the park’s Animal Rescue
Team transported the juvenile sea turtle to Canaveral National
Seashore, along Florida’s east coast, where the sea turtle was
successfully returned to the ocean.
SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 23,000 animals in
need - ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned - for more than four
decades. Since 1980, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued
more than 1,700 turtles and returned more than 1,100.
So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued five sea turtles and returned seven.
If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at (888) 404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.
Video Credit: SeaWorld Orlando
Video Credit: SeaWorld Orlando
