Eight rehabilitated sea turtles released off Florida's east coast

Eight rehabilitated sea turtles were released off Florida's east coast last week, following a coordinated effort by multiple sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation partners.

Four green sea turtles were rehabilitated at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, three were transported from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and one was transported from The Florida Aquarium.

Several of the turtles first received critical care at the Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Laboratory in St. Augustine and the Marine Science Center in Volusia County before being transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and other partners due to capacity challenges during a large stranding event in March.

Three of the four turtles that arrived at Clearwater Marine Aquarium between March 17 and March 22 were named Leprechaun, Paddy, and Paddy 2.0 in honor of St. Patrick's Day, while the fourth turtle was named Shinto.

The turtles were cleared for release by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

On Thursday, May 28, Clearwater Marine Aquarium transported all eight sea turtles to St. Augustine, where they were released back into the ocean as part of the effort coordinated across Florida's sea turtle stranding network.