BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Bowtie, a juvenile green sea turtle, was released back into the ocean on Wednesday at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. The release was conducted by the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo.
The sea turtle was brought to the center in mid-August after a fisherman reported accidentally hooking it at Jetty Pier Park in Port Canaveral. Veterinarians removed a large hook lodged under Bowtie’s neck and used a video endoscope to remove a second hook from the turtle’s esophagus. Bowtie made a quick recovery following both procedures and was cleared for release in good health.
The foundation advised anglers to remain watchful for sea turtles near fishing locations and to avoid casting lines when turtles are in the immediate area.
Anyone who spots an injured or entangled sea turtle is asked not to touch the animal, but to report the sighting to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646 or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
The East Coast Zoological Foundation is a 501(c)(three) nonprofit organization based in Melbourne that operates the Brevard Zoo and Bowen Aquarium campuses. Founded in 1986, the foundation receives no recurring operating funds from city, county or state governments, relying instead on private donations.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.