Officials from Brevard Zoo released a 170-kilogram sea turtle named Bubba into the Atlantic Ocean off Cocoa Beach after three months of rehabilitation in Florida on Wednesday. Biologists estimate Bubba is 60 to 75 years old.
According to officials, the male loggerhead turtle, Bubba, was found by biologists with Inwater Research in St. Lucie County on April 10.After observing injuries to its front flippers, the biologists used a crane to lift it out of the water and into a carrier in their pickup truck for transport to the zoo.
A preliminary exam suggested that Bubba had likely been injured in a predator attack. He was also dealing with an intensive infestation of marine leeches, which were causing anemia.
According to officials, the male loggerhead turtle, Bubba, was found by biologists with Inwater Research in St. Lucie County on April 10.After observing injuries to its front flippers, the biologists used a crane to lift it out of the water and into a carrier in their pickup truck for transport to the zoo.
A preliminary exam suggested that Bubba had likely been injured in a predator attack. He was also dealing with an intensive infestation of marine leeches, which were causing anemia.