Sprouts!

Loggerhead Marinelife Center Turtle Release

Posted by Kelly

This past month the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach released Cullen, a huge adult male Loggerhead sea turtle. Cullen came to the Center on January 29, 2009 from The St. Lucie Power Plant in what the center described as “fair body condition with low range of motion and sensitivity in the front left flipper.” There was a sloughing of skin, suggesting a previous injury and was believed that Cullen may have met with some monofilament at some point and became entangled. It is suspected that he was found tangled, and someone cut the line in his aid. Unfortunately, he needed more than just release from the line. The Center stresses the importance of reporting all sightings of turtles in distress to the proper authorities. Cullen’s diagnosis included blood work and testing provided evidence of severe anemia and mild hypoglycemia. His treatment included antibiotics, vitamins, de-worming, a nutritious diet and physical therapy.

Cullen had been treated by the Marinelife Center for the past few months and was released on July 11, 2009. During his treatment his injured left flipper was amputated. For this he received extensive physical therapy and antibiotics. When he was brought in he was at 195.14 lbs. Upon his release, he was at just over 200 lbs.

Cullen was released under perfect conditions today. The weather cooperated, the seas were mild, Cullen was calm and the volunteers were awesome !!!

A big congratulations goes out to the team and volunteers at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. We are proud of what you do and very honored to have you here working on behalf of the marine life in South Florida. We wish Cullen good luck and know he will get along just swimingly!

Looking for ways you can help?

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open to the public and is located in Juno Beach. Admission is free, but donations are always accepted and appreciated. To learn more about the center or find out about volunteer opportunities, visit their site here. You can even adopt your very own sea turtle and watch his progress as he receives treatment from the Center.

Sprouts! also includes a line of eco-friendly plantable sea turtle cards that features sea turtles from the Center. With each box purchased, Sprouts! will donate part of the proceeds back to The Loggerhead Marinelife Center to support their efforts. See those cards here.

To learn more about Cullen and see images from his release, click here.

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