Clearwater Marine Aquarium released Wiley, a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, after nearly eight months of rehab care.
Floating Sea Turtle Rescued Near Crystal River
Wiley was found floating near Crystal River Duke Energy Power Plant in mid-June 2019. Upon intake, Wiley was underweight, had large amount of barnacles and algae on her carapace (shell), which indicates she may have been ill for some time. After further diagnostics it was determined that Wiley had air in her body cavity causing her to float and was unable to submerge for long periods of time.
With medications and several months of care, Wiley’s buoyancy improved. She began exhibiting natural sea turtle behaviors and was able to submerge under water. After gaining around 30 pounds, Wiley was healthy again, resting on the bottom, and ready to go back home! She was cleared for release by both our veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
On February 19, Wiley was released off the beach at Fred Howard Park with help from CMA staff and volunteers. A crowd of beachgoers and supporters cheered as Wiley raced back into the Gulf. We wish her well out in the wild!
All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-19-172.