Marine Science Center To Release Rehabilitated Green Sea Turtle

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Ponce Inlet, FL - The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet will soon release a rehabilitated green sea turtle. At 2 PM on Thursday, December 21, a juvenile green sea turtle will be released into the ocean from the Beach Street Ramp. Pending acceptable weather and surf conditions, the turtle will be released on the north side of the ramp in the no-driving zone. Paid parking will be available on the south side of the ramp and at the Marine Science Center. Luther spent the last month rehabilitating at the Marine Science Center's turtle hospital. On November 9, Luther was taken in for lethargy and floating head down in New Smyrna Beach. Staff believes Luther was trying to dive, but his hind end remained buoyant, making it hard for him to breathe. Luther was also recovering from an injury to his shell and was found to be suffering from low blood sugar and dehydration. A slow digestive system is likely to blame for the buoyancy issues and it is the result of a compromised immune system from a previous injury. “Once a turtle builds up gas in its digestive tract and becomes buoyant, it makes it difficult for them to dive for food,” said Melissa Ranly, Rehabilitation Manager at the Marine Science Center. “This results in weight loss and dehydration as well as a decreased blood sugar level. Luckily Luther responded quickly to the medical plan, which included antibiotics, fluids and vitamin supplements.” After proper hydration and resolving digestion issues, Luther was fed different types of fish, squid, shrimp, clams, and vegetation. Luther now weighs nearly 16.5 pounds.

(Intake)

(Rehabilitated)

Photos courtesy of Volusia County.

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