Juvenile green sea turtle released after 4 months of rehab at Brevard Zoo

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A juvenile green sea turtle named Pearl was released back into the Atlantic on Wednesday after a four-month rehabilitation stay at the Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center.

Zoo officials said Sea Turtle Preservation Society members found Pearl on March 13 at Blockhouse Beach.

READ: It’s sea turtle nesting season: Here are 9 ways you can help hatchlings survive

They said she was emaciated, covered in barnacles and had an inflamed shell.

In addition to providing nutritional support, broad-spectrum antibiotics, cold laser therapy and honey treatments, Healing Center staff said they also used medications to resolve a parasitic infection. Once Pearl’s shell had healed and the infection subsided, veterinary staff deemed her ready for release.

SEE: Loggerhead, green sea turtle returned to the ocean in Brevard County

Individuals who find distressed sea turtles in Brevard County should contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646 or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC.

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SeaWorld sea turtle release After months of rehabilitation, SeaWorld returned 10 rehabbed, critically endangered sea turtles to the ocean in Brevard County on Monday. (SeaWorld Orlando)