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Two rescued loggerhead turtles return to New Smyrna

VOLUSIA, Fla. — Two loggerhead turtles rescued by the Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation last year have been released back into the wild.

The turtles were released Tuesday at Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna.

The first loggerhead, Rosemary, was found emaciated and lethargic last June at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. She was transferred to The Florida Aquarium for rehabilitation.

“When she arrived, her carapace and skin were covered with barnacles, and she was extremely anemic — a sign that she had been ill for a long time. Her blood sugar also was low, indicating she wasn’t eating and likely had a systemic infection,” said Dr. Kathy Heym, director of Florida Aquarium of Health.

Rosemary received medicine, fluids and blood transfusions and now weighs 130 pounds.

Ginger, the second loggerhead sea turtle, was found in northeast Atlantic waters by the New England Aquarium last December.

The turtle was flown to Tampa Executive Airport and taken to The Florida Aquarium.

She was moved to warm water, was fed and healed.

“She’s been eating great and gaining weight since her arrival. Now weighing over 80 pounds, Ginger is totally ready for the wild,” Heym said in a news release.

The Florida Aquarium said in a news release that the aquarium is extensively involved in sea turtle conservation including rescue and rehabilitation efforts.