A 375-pound loggerhead sea turtle named Bubba was recently released back into the ocean off the coast of Florida after recovering from serious injuries. The turtle was found by biologists with Inwater Research in St. Lucie County, Florida, on April 10. The biologists discovered that Bubba had injuries on both of his front flippers and needed immediate attention.
After using a crane to pull Bubba out of the water and into the back of a pickup truck, he was transported to the Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center in Melbourne, Florida. It took seven volunteers to help lift the large turtle out of the truck and into the facility for treatment. A preliminary exam revealed that Bubba’s front flippers were injured, likely due to an attack, and he also had a severe infestation of marine leeches that caused him to become anemic.
Despite being the Brevard Zoo’s first adult male loggerhead sea turtle patient, they estimated that Bubba was between 60 and 75 years old and possibly a great-grandfather. The zoo’s veterinary team provided Bubba with antibiotics, nutrition, regular wound cleanings, and cold laser therapy to aid in his recovery. The goal of the Healing Center is to release all sea turtle patients back into the ocean, which was especially important for Bubba as a breeding male.
After three months of rehabilitation, Bubba was finally ready to return to the water on July 10. A crowd of 300 people gathered to watch and cheer as he made his way back into the ocean. The Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center manager, Shanon Gann, described the release as one of their best-attended ever and emphasized the importance of sharing their work with the community.
The Brevard Zoo, which opened in March 1994, has a mission of caring for animals, connecting visitors with the natural world, educating diverse audiences, inspiring the community, and achieving conservation results. The zoo’s veterinary staff is available 12 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist sick and injured sea turtles, showcasing their commitment to wildlife conservation.
While Bubba’s release was a special moment for the zoo and the community, it also highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate marine life in the area. The release of animals like Bubba serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
In conclusion, the successful rehabilitation and release of Bubba the loggerhead sea turtle represents a significant achievement for the Brevard Zoo and the conservation community as a whole. By working together to care for injured wildlife and raise awareness about the threats facing marine life, we can help ensure a healthier future for our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
