Watch: 2 Loggerhead Hatchlings Swim to Freedom

Keeping up with one baby can be tough enough, but imagine having to care for more than 2,600.

There was no imagining for the folks at the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Hatchling Hospital this sea turtle nesting season. The hospital served as the rescue site for hundreds of hatchlings between May 1 and October. While most of the critters were released earlier in the season, 200 had to stay behind for extra care so they could recover from injuries and regain strength, an email from Sarasota Police Department spokeswoman Genevieve Judge explained.

The final two baby loggerhead turtles were released into the Gulf of Mexico Oct. 30.

Sarasota Marine Patrol Officer Bruce King and Officer Travis Forrister teamed up with Mote Marine scientist Karen Schanzle for the special delivery, Judge said.

The department facilitated the release by allowing the use of one of its patrol boats. Mote’s boat used to transport hatchlings is being replaced.

The partnership between Mote and the police department is an important one, officials say.

“Having our friends from Mote Marine Laboratory on the water is critical for me,” King said. “To have another set of eyes and ears out there to tell me what is going on is great. When I stumble across something, like an injured animal, and I need help, I have a direct contact.”

Mote’s Holly West, sea turtle care coordinator, said support from the department and community is critical.

“With a record number of hatchling patients this year, we’ve been working hard to help them recover and return to the wild quickly,” West said. “This mission becomes so much easier with the support of caring people in our community.”

The video chronicles the release of this year’s last two hatchlings. The release itself begins around the 4-minute mark.

Sea turtles are protected under federal law. It is illegal to harass or interfere with them in any way or to disturb a nest. Anyone who sees someone disturbing a sea turtle is asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), local law enforcement and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Program at 941-388-4331. If a dead or injured sea turtle is spotted, call Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 941-988-0212.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department

See Also:

• 299 Sea Turtle Eggs Rescued from Poacher
• Pinellas Beaches Not Named Critical Sea Turtle Habitat