Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Return To FL Waters After Months Of Care

PALM COAST, FL — Four juvenile green sea turtles returned to the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday after five months of intensive rehabilitation at the Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach.

The turtles — dubbed Dark Blue Yellow, Pink, Black and Light Blue Pink — were released at River to Sea Preserve near Palm Coast after completing final examinations and being deemed healthy enough to return to the wild, the aquarium said in a news release.

Earlier Tuesday morning, aquarium biologists loaded the turtles into a transport van for the cross-state trip to the east coast.

Before leaving Apollo Beach, staff gave each turtle a final checkup, removed the color bands from their flippers that had been used for identification during rehabilitation and applied ointment to keep their eyes lubricated during the drive, the aquarium said.

The turtles' journeys to the aquarium’s rehabilitation center varied.

Dark Blue Yellow was found stranded on March 29 at Minerva Beach near Daytona Beach with a severe gash across the underside of its shell, or plastron. Aquarium officials said it was one of the most serious sea turtle injuries the animal care team has successfully treated.

Its recovery included ongoing wound care, veterinary treatment, nutritional support and close monitoring. Staff also used a specialized topical ointment that created a waterproof barrier over the wound while it healed.

The other three turtles were rescued from Florida's east coast in March after being cold-stunned. Exposure to cold water can leave sea turtles weak, lethargic and unable to swim, the aquarium said.

All four completed their exit examinations within the past two weeks.

The Florida Aquarium has cared for 22 sea turtles this season. Four juvenile green sea turtles remain at its rehabilitation center and will continue receiving treatment until they are medically cleared for release.