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Flipperless Porkchop's Triumphant Return to Sea
5 Mar
Summary
- A green sea turtle named Porkchop was rescued with a severely damaged flipper.
- Porkchop underwent surgery to amputate the dead flipper and remove a fishing hook.
- After a year of rehabilitation, Porkchop was successfully released back into the ocean.
A green sea turtle, affectionately named Porkchop, has made a remarkable recovery and release into the wild. Rescued in March 2025, Porkchop was found with a flipper rendered 90 percent dead due to a fishing line entanglement cutting off circulation.
Veterinarians at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, performed two crucial surgeries. The first involved amputating the necrotic portion of the flipper, while a second procedure removed a fishing hook from the turtle's mouth. This intensive care period lasted nearly a year.
Despite the significant injury, Porkchop adapted well to swimming with three flippers, a testament to the species' resilience. The turtle was released into the San Gabriel River, an area known to host North America's largest population of green sea turtles.
Volunteers have already spotted Porkchop back in its natural habitat, signaling a successful return to the wild. This heartwarming story highlights dedicated rehabilitation efforts and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
