Virginia Beach, Va. – Four rehabilitated sea turtles were released along the Sandbridge Shore (near Sandbridge Market) by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center today.
The Stranding Response Team from the Virginia Aquarium is releasing two loggerhead sea turtles, “Findlay” and “Grenada”. Findlay was rescued after being hooked in the jaw by a fisher at Little Island Fishing Pier on July 30. Grenada came to the Animal Care Center a short time later on August 14 suffering from hooks in his/her front flippers by a fisher at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.
Both turtles suffered from severe signs of anemia and carapace infections. Findlay and Grenada have made a speedy recovery thanks to antibiotics and treatment. Grenada will be fitted with a Navy satellite tag. The tracks can be followed on www.seaturtle.org.
The National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue team has rehabilitated two loggerhead sea turtles as well. “Rooney” suffered from chronic abscess but after honey treatments and surgery, Rooney is recovering remarkably on a healthy diet of blue crabs, squid, shrimp and lean fish.
The second loggerhead turtle is “Portsmouth”. Portsmouth was hooked at the Ocean View Fishing Pier on the fourth of July. Two hooks were embedded in his/her esophagus. On August 28, veterinary staff and a specialist were able to successfully remove the two hooks. After recovering with a healthy diet of blue crabs and more, Portsmouth is doing much better.
Both turtles were transferred to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and have been released along with Findlay and Grenada.
