This week, the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team returned a seven and a half stone loggerhead sea turtle measuring to Playalinda Beach in Florida, following months of rehabilitation and care.
The sub-adult loggerhead, which measured 29 inches long, was rescued in March after being discovered beached and suffering from Debilitated Loggerhead Syndrome (DLS) by a Park Ranger on Playalinda Beach. The sea turtle was originally transported to Volusia County Marine Science Center and then brought to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.
Debilitated Loggerhead Syndrome is the term used when a loggerhead is found emaciated, lethargic and covered in barnacles.
During the course of the four month rehabilitation process, the sea turtle gained 6.3 kilograms and grew an inch. After this positive trend in health and several medical tests, the decision was made that the animal was ready to be returned. SeaWorld Orlando veterinarians and zoological staff work closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to determine when a rescued animal can be returned and where.
This year the Florida coastline has seen an influx of sea turtle stranding’s. Due to this increase all Florida sea turtle rehabilitation centers are working around the clock in order to provide rehabilitation and care for every sea turtle requiring help.
So far in 2015, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 48 sea turtles, double the average for this time of the year, and returned 68. For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. More than 26,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To learn more about SeaWorld’s commitment to animals and the environment, visit SeaWorldCares.com.
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