SEAWORLD ORLANDO RELEASED REHABILITATED SEA TURTLE

A loggerhead turtle that swallowed a 4 inch-long fishing hook was released today
      
Just weeks after SeaWorld veterinarians removed a 4 inch-long fishing hook from its throat, the rehabilitated loggerhead turtle returned home to the waters just south of Cocoa Beach this morning.

The turtle, a sub-adult weighing approximately 100 pounds, was rescued from the intake canal at the St. Lucie Power Plant in St. Lucie County, Fla. The animal arrived at SeaWorld Orlando February 26 and immediately underwent surgery following x-rays and blood work procedures. Vets removed a 4-inch-long fish hook, and after a speedy recovery, the turtle was released back into the wild.

The loggerhead was found by the Inwater Research Group - an organization committed to the research and conservation of coastal species and habitats – who also assisted in the animal’s transport.

According to SeaWorld veterinarians, the fishing hook was one of the largest the team has removed to date. To help protect this threatened species, make sure fishing line and all trash is disposed of properly. When fishing, use new "circle" hooks - turtles are less likely to swallow the circle-shaped hooks than traditional J-shaped, which cause suffocation or internal bleeding when swallowed.  Also, if a sea turtle’s nest is seen, please contact authorities. 

This year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued nine sea turtles. For 45 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need -- ill, injured and orphaned.  More than 20,000 animals have been rescued by our experts.‪ SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ‪