A green sea turtle named Banana is set to be released back into the water after a 14-month stay at the Brevard Zoo‘s Sea Turtle Healing Center. Banana was floating in the Indian River Lagoon, emaciated and covered in sponges and fibro papillomatosis (FP) tumors that cause turtles’ external and internal growths. The turtle underwent several surgeries, including removing a large tumor over one eye and a new electrochemotherapy treatment to remove the remaining numerous areas. Bananas will be released at Hightower Beach Park in Satellite Beach, and attendees are asked to wear yellow in honor of the turtle’s nickname.
After a 14-month stay at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Banana, the green sea turtle, was finally released back into the wild on November 16, 2020. Banana was initially found with a weight of 16 pounds and a shell length of 12 inches. After her rehabilitation, she weighed 48 pounds and had a shell length of 20 inches. The public was invited to bid goodbye to the much-beloved turtle before her return to the ocean.
Rehabilitation at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center
During her rehabilitation, Banana received excellent care from the staff at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. She underwent an intensive program of nutrition, hydration, and medical attention, which helped her put on weight and gain strength. Banana was also treated for lung infections and anemia, which can be a common occurrence for turtles that have been injured or are sick.
Banana had been suffering from buoyancy issues when she was first rescued, which made it difficult for her to dive and move around freely. Loggerhead Marinelife Center outfitted Banana with a specially-made diving belt to help her stabilize and navigate underwater. The belt was removed right before Banana was released into the ocean, as she had gained the necessary strength and had shown an ability to dive without it.
The Banana is released back into the wild.
The remarkable recovery of Banana and her successful rehabilitation story was celebrated with much fanfare when she was released back into the wild. Staff and volunteers from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and residents gathered to see Banana off on her final journey back to the ocean. She was released back into the sea at Juno Beach Park, and everyone watched as she swam away to join her fellow turtles in the open sea.
Green sea turtles like Bananas are an endangered species, and the long-term survival of this species depends heavily on the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, which works tirelessly to ensure their preservation. Banana’s story offers hope and inspiration to everyone working to save the green sea turtle population.
Conclusion
Banana’s incredible journey of survival, rehabilitation, and release back into the wild serves as a testament to the power of rehabilitation programs and the dedication of caretakers working to preserve endangered species. Efforts like these can make a tremendous difference in the complex network of relationships that make up our ecosystems. Let us hope Banana’s triumphant return to the wild inspires us to work harder to protect the delicate balance between nature and humanity.
