ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A juvenile green sea turtle named Purple returned to the gulf on June 26 after months of rehabilitation at The Florida Aquarium following a cold-stunning event.
Purple was transferred to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 11 after being found on North Longboat Key lethargic, underweight and with barnacles on its shell. The turtle weighed 2 pounds at intake and required antibiotics, fluids and ongoing veterinary care.
After more than four months of care, Purple nearly doubled in size to 3.9 pounds and was cleared for release. Before returning to the wild, it received a PIT tag and microchip for future identification. Manatee County sea turtle volunteers assisted The Florida Aquarium team during Purple’s release at Anna Maria Bayfront Park.
“Every sea turtle release reflects months of intensive care and collaboration,” said Alyssa Fessett, manager of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. “Purple’s recovery is a direct result of that work, and it’s always meaningful to see a patient return to its home healthy and strong.”
Purple’s release comes during a busy rehabilitation season at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, which has cared for 22 juvenile green sea turtles since the start of the season. Most arrived after cold-stunning events that left them weakened from prolonged exposure to cold water. Through intensive veterinary care and rehabilitation, the turtles have steadily improved. Following Purple’s release, 13 sea turtles will remain in rehabilitation, when they will continue receiving treatment and care before they are ready to return to the ocean.
