These juvenile green sea turtles were rescued, rehabbed and released back to the ocean
CLEARWATER, FL (June 14, 2024) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium is excited to announce that five of its rescued green sea turtles have been released after receiving care from CMA rehabilitation and veterinary teams. Each of their stories reveal the persistence and resilience of marine animals, inspiring CMA to never give up on those that need our help.
On Wednesday, June 12, CMA released three juvenile green sea turtles named Ruffles, Ruby and Peridot on the East Coast of Florida. Ruffles was found floating near Cocoa Beach and rescued by Brevard Zoo on March 9. The next day, Ruffles was transferred to CMA where it received fluids, vitamins and, eventually, surgery to remove the fibropapilloma tumors.
Ruby and Peridot, also released on Wednesday, were washed ashore with large amounts of epibiota coverage on their carapaces (barnacles on their shells). These two turtles were initially rescued by Volusia County Marine Science Center on March 23 and transferred to CMA a few days later to open rehabilitation space.
After receiving treatment, all three turtles were given a clean bill of health by CMA’s veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). CMA released the turtles along the East Coast of Florida, near where they were first rescued so they can continue their journey in the Atlantic Ocean.
On Thursday, June 13, CMA released two more juvenile, green sea turtles named Aquamarine and Jade. Found floating near Honeymoon Island on Jan. 21, Aquamarine had acute hypothermia due to cold weather. After successful treatment, the sea turtle was finally able to be released back into the Gulf of Mexico.
Jade, a juvenile green sea turtle, was found stranded on Sand Key Feb. 13. Jade was lethargic and also experienced acute hypothermia due to cold weather, but otherwise had no other external abnormalities. Shortly after Jade’s arrival, they started to exhibit neurological symptoms and struggled in deeper water. After several weeks of treatment, they slowly became more active and appetite improved. Jade reached a healthy weight and exhibited normal swimming behaviors in deep water and was cleared for release by CMA staff veterinarian and FWC.
We can decrease our direct and indirect impacts on sea turtles by picking up litter to prevent pollution, utilizing circle hooks and properly disposing of monofilament line when fishing and making sustainable choices.
Ruffles, Ruby, Peridot, Aquamarine and Jade remind us that our environmental impact goes far beyond what we can visually see. Their stories encourage us to prioritize the health of our environment and, as a result, improve the health of all living things, including ourselves.
CMA guests can learn more about rescued sea turtles and see them onsite during their rehabilitation stays.
To learn more about our current rescue patients, please visit www.cmaquarium.org/experience/rescue-center/.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
© 2024 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization