Home / Environment / Rescued Sea Turtle Thrives in New Pool
Rescued Sea Turtle Thrives in New Pool
29 Jan
Summary
- A green sea turtle recovered from fishing line entanglement.
- A new 4,000-gallon pool aids the turtle's rehabilitation.
- The turtle, missing one flipper, will return to the wild soon.
A green sea turtle, rescued approximately one year ago from severe entanglement in fishing line, is making a remarkable recovery. Volunteers found the turtle struggling in the San Gabriel River, with the line cutting off blood supply to its flipper. This injury led to a life-threatening infection and necessitated the surgical removal of the affected limb by the Aquarium of the Pacific's veterinary team.
After extensive rehabilitation in a newly built 4,000-gallon pool, the turtle, now swimming with three flippers, is thriving and regaining its confidence in the water. The aquarium, one of two facilities in Southern California equipped for such specialized care, expects to release the resilient reptile back into its natural habitat in the upcoming weeks.
Should anyone encounter a stranded, sick, or injured sea turtle, NOAA's Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network can be contacted at (562) 506-4315. The aquarium's new pool is designed to accommodate turtles of various sizes for rehabilitation purposes.
