Healed turtle released back onto beach

After almost two months of rehabilitative care at Mote Marine Laboratory, a formerly ill sea turtle was released back into the ocean Wednesday.

The female loggerhead named “Moby” washed ashore on Siesta Key May 11. She was lethargic, weak and had neurological issues, according to a release from Mote. She was likely affected by toxins from Florida red tide algae.

Mote’s staff gave the turtle food, fluids and injectable antibiotics, and on July 5 she was released on Lido Beach where “she quickly shuffled out to sea.”

“It was an amazing release,” Lynne Byrd, Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator, said in the release. “She got to the beach, and you could tell she knew where she was. It took her a minute, but then she took right off and never looked back.”

See video of Moby's release here. 

If you see a sea turtle nest or hatchling in distress in Sarasota or Manatee county, contact Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at 941-388-4331. If you see a dead or injured turtle or other marine animal, contact Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at (941) 988-0212.