Brevard Zoo Release Their Largest Rescued Sea Turtle Yet

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 22, 2020 11:40 am

The loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ocean after its rescue

Photo Credit: Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida has released its largest ever sea turtle patient after a successful rehabilitation. Perseverance weighed in at 168kg (370lbs) and is a loggerhead sea turtle.

She was named after NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.

Perseverance was rescued by Brevard Zoo and rehabilitated at their Sea Turtle Healing Center after being observed struggling to nest. Upon further inspection she was observed to have an old, healing injury on the shell with swelling and weakness also observed.

After observing several nights of failed nesting attempts she was rescued by the zoo, Brevard County Ocean Rescue (BCOR) and the University of Central Florida. She was moved to the healing centre on July 31st.

An ultrasound was conducted that showed she was struggling to pass her eggs. She was induced by vets which led to over 100 eggs being laid. These were then buried to incubate on a southern Brevard county beach.

Perseverance then received nutritional support, fluids and medications before being deemed ready for release. Her release took place on the morning of October 20th with BCOR helping to transfer her to the release site from the parking lot.

All of the world’s seven sea turtle species are facing threats in the wild. These include human hunting, entanglement in fishing equipment, marine debris, shrinking beaches, pollution and climate change.

If you find a distressed sea turtle in Brevard county you can contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646 or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC.

Learn more about Brevard Zoo on their website – Brevard Zoo