Summer Campers Release Rehabilitated Turtles
Loggerhead Turtles Released In State Park
POSTED: Wednesday, July 7, 2004
MIAMI -- Summer campers at the Miami Seaquarium helped three sea turtles return to the wild Wednesday.
The loggerhead turtles were rehabilitated at the Seaquarium before their release at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
One of the turtles, weighing 200 pounds, was treated for a disease that causes paralysis. The other two, weighing 100 pounds each, were treated for parasites and anemia.
According to sea turtle state biologists, last year was the worst year for sea turtle strandings.
Seaquarium veterinarian Dr. Maya Menchaca said, "Since there has been a decrease in loggerhead sea turtle nestings in the last two years, the release of these sea turtles is very important and critical to help preserve this threatened species. Just one female sea turtle can lay hundreds of eggs contributing to an increase towards its population."
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