Summary of Releasing Jolene the Green Sea Turtle:
After rehabilitation, Jolene, a 374-pound adult green sea turtle, was released back into the ocean. She came to the Healing Center with a fishing line wrapped around her neck and front flippers. Jolene quickly recovered and showed that she was ready to return home. She was found to be carrying eggs, which were given to the University of Central Florida for monitoring. It is uncertain if the eggs will hatch, but there is hope. The article also highlights the importance of properly disposing of fishing gear to protect marine life. Anyone who finds a distressed sea turtle is advised to contact the appropriate authorities.
Summary:
– Jolene, a 374-pound adult green sea turtle, was recently released back to the ocean after rehabilitation– She was found with a commercial fishing line wrapped around her neck and front flippers.
– The Sea Turtle Healing Center scared for Jolene, treating her wounds and promoting her recovery.
– Jolene was found to be carrying eggs and given to a research group for monitoring.
– Fishing gear can be harmful to marine life, so it’s important to properly dispose of it and report any distressed sea turtles.
We recently bid farewell to one of the most remarkable green sea turtles we have ever had the pleasure of rehabilitating. Jolene, a massive 374-pound adult green sea turtle, was released back into the ocean on a sunny Friday afternoon at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. It was a private event, filled with excitement and melancholy as we watched Jolene swim away, back to where she truly belonged.
Jolene’s journey to our Healing Center began on July 7 when she was discovered with a commercial fishing line tightly wrapped around her neck and front flippers. It was a distressing sight, but we were determined to help her. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society transported her from the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge to our Healing Center, where we immediately went to work to save this remarkable creature.
Upon her arrival, we carefully cleaned Jolene’s significant cuts under her left flipper and around her neck. The wounds were severe, but we were confident in healing her. We applied a medical-grade fish skin graft over some of the cuts on her left flipper to promote healing. It was an innovative treatment that we had seen great success with in the past.
FoWerovided Jolene with the best care possible. He received medication, plenty of rest, and a diet tailored to her need for the next two weeks. We watched as she steadily recovered, her strength returning day by day. Our primary concern is always the well-being of our sea turtle patients, and in Jolene’s case, it was abundantly clear that she was ready to return to her natural habitat.
Our Healing Center team made the decision to release Jolene privately but we wanted to share this beautiful moment with the world. We recorded her journey back to the ocean, capturing the joy and anticipation in her movements. It was an emotional experience for all of us, as we knew that Jolene was embarking on a new chapter in her life.
But Jolene’s story doesn’t end there. When she arrived at our Healing Center, we discovered that she was gravid, which means she was carrying eggs. Miraculously, Jolene laid approximately 80 eggs during her stay with us. These precious eggs were entrusted to the University of Central Florida Marine Turtle Research Group (UCF MTRG). The research group excavated a hand-dug chamber on the beach and carefully monitored the development of the eggs. We are hopeful that they will hatch and contribute to the preservation of the green sea turtle population.
The release of Jolene serves as a reminder of the dangers that marine life, particularly turtles, faces due to fishing gear. Fishing lines can become entangled around their bodies, causing severe injuries and hindering their ability to survive. We implore all enthusiasts to be responsible and pack their fishing gear properly before and after use. Unwanted fishing lines should always be disposed of in designated bins at waterfront parks.
If you come across a distressed sea turtle with a line wrapped around it, it is crucial to exercise caution. Unless the line obstructs the turtle’s ability to breathe, it is best not to attempt to remove it or any other items connected to that; instead, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922 or the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646 for strandings in Brevard County.
If you ever find yourself in the fortunate position of discovering a sea turtle needing help, please visit the Sea Turtle Preservation Society’s website or recontacted directly at 321-206-0646. Every small gesture counts in the conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
If you want to make a difference and support the Sea Turtle Healing Center, consider contributing to our Zoo. Your donations will go a long way in helping us continue our mission of rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles like Jolene. Alternatively, you can check out our Healing Center’s wishlist to see if there are any particular items that you could donate to assist in their care.
Jolene’s release was a moment filled with hope and promise. As she glided through the water, we couldn’t help but feel a profound separation from her resilience and determination. Our responsibility is to ensure that the oceans remain a savior for these incredible creatures. Let’s work together to protect and preserve their natural habitats for generations.
