Ponce Inlet, FL - A juvenile green sea turtle who spent the past month at the Marine Science Center turtle hospital will be released back into the ocean on Tuesday afternoon.
Marine Science Center staff plan to release Hendrix, a juvenile sea turtle, at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the Beach St. ramp in Ponce Inlet. The release will be held on the north side of the ramp in the no driving zone. Paid beach parking is available on the south side of the ramp, but observers can also walk from the Marine Science Center. The release depends on weather and surf conditions.
Hendrix arrived at the Marine Science Center turtle hospital on Oct. 14 after being found stranded onshore in New Smyrna Dunes Park. When the turtle was found, it had an old, healed injury to the right side of its shell. Officials say Hendrix was lethargic and buoyant at first because of gas in the intestines and a sluggish digestive system, but once the turtle was hydrated and its immune system was back on track, it started eating and digesting properly again. Staff members say Hendrix has gained significant muscle mass and now weighs 5.7 lbs.
“We are pleased with the quick recovery and excited to get Hendrix back out in the ocean,” said rehabilitation manager Melissa Ranly.
(Hendrix after rehabilitation)
Before and after rehabilitation photos courtesy the Marine Science Center.
To learn more about the Marine Science Center go to MarineScienceCenter.com. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
