Rare Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Being Treated At MSC In Ponce Inlet

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Kemp's ridley

Ponce Inlet, FL-Experts at the Marine Science Center are nursing a rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle back to health after removing a fisherman's hook from the turtle. The turtle was accidentally hooked March 30 by a fisherman in Ponce Inlet and brought to the MSC.

The turtle is a 10.5-pound juvenile and is a critically endangered species rarely seen in Florida. The staff has named the turtle Renny, an Irish name meaning "small and mighty."

The turtle was also being treated for a gash to its shoulder. X-rays revealed that the turtle had an earlier run in with a fishing hook which was lodged in its esophagus. An operation was done to remove that hook and experts say it's important when a turtle is caught on a hook to take it to a sea turtle treatment center and not to simply cut the line.

The turtle is now recovering at the MSC and can be seen in its pool from the observation deck.

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