ORLANDO, Fla. – Three sea turtles were returned to the ocean after completing a successful stint of rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando.
The turtles were released at the Canaveral National Seashore on Monday after being rehabilitated for several months by the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team.
Two of the turtles, Kemps Ridleys, were brought to SeaWorld in December by the U.S. Coast Guard. They were rescued off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., showing symptoms of cold stress.
The other turtle, a loggerhead, was discovered in February, floating in the Port Canaveral Channel. It was extremely emaciated for its typically large size. It also exhibited damage to its flippers and neck.
All three turtles were in good health preceding their return to the water. The Kemps Ridleys each weighed 10 pounds and the loggerhead weighed in at 98 pounds.
To date, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has helped approximately 22,000 animals. This year alone, they have rescued 39 turtles and returned 31 back to the ocean.
To fulfill its goal of rehabilitating and returning marine animals in need back to the water, SeaWorld works with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks.