These juvenile green sea turtles were rescued, rehabilitated, and released this week
CLEARWATER, FL (June 19, 2025) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium is excited to announce the successful release of three juvenile green sea turtles, Niaouli, Bonsai, and Sonny, after receiving care from CMA rehabilitation and veterinary teams. Niaouli and Bonsai were released Tuesday at Fred Howard Park on Florida’s west coast, while Sonny was released today (Thursday) into the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Florida.
Niaouli stranded on March 2 and was discovered in the drop-off box at Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. Sanctuary personnel quickly transferred the turtle to CMA for evaluation and care. Upon arrival, Niaouli was in critical condition, presenting with lethargy, poor body condition, skin ulcerations and lesions, and several blood abnormalities. Thanks to an intensive and carefully tailored treatment plan that included antibiotics, steroids, fluid therapy, and nutritional support, Niaouli made a remarkable recovery.
Bonsai was discovered out of habitat near a retention pond in Homosassa on May 7, likely displaced by severe flooding from recent hurricanes. Although in good external condition, medical evaluation revealed mild blood irregularities requiring treatment. After receiving supportive care and monitoring, Bonsai recovered fully.
Sonny arrived in February from Brevard Zoo on Florida’s east coast due to limited rehabilitation space. Sonny was admitted with a severe case of fibropapillomatosis, a disease that causes tumors and can impact a turtle’s vision, mobility, and ability to feed. After undergoing successful surgical removal of the tumors and receiving months of dedicated care, Sonny made a full recovery and fully healed.
After being cleared for release by CMA’s veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), all three turtles were safely returned to their ocean home – Niaouli and Bonsai on the west coast, and Sonny on the east.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium remains committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life, and the successful return of Niaouli, Bonsai, and Sonny to their natural habitats is a testament to the dedication of our animal care teams and partners. Each turtle’s journey highlights the vital role of marine conservation efforts in giving these endangered animals a second chance at life in the wild.
CMA guests can learn more about rescued sea turtles and see them onsite during their rehabilitation stays.
These four rough-toothed dolphins have been deemed non-releasable by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and are not able to be released back into the wild.
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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.
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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