PONCE INLET, Fla. -- After two months of rehabilitation at the Marine Science Center turtle hospital, a juvenile green sea turtle named "Adele," is expected to be released back into the Atlantic Ocean today.
Staff plans to release Adele at 2 p.m. at the Beach Street ramp in Ponce Inlet. The release, which is dependent on weather and surf conditions, will occur on the north side of the ramp in the no-driving zone. Paid beach parking is available on the south side of the ramp.
Adele arrived at the Marine Science Center on Jan. 9 after stranding on Daytona Beach.
"She was cold and weak, with an electrolyte imbalance, critically low glucose level and irregular heartbeat," Volusia County spokeswoman Shelley Szafraniec told Headline Surfer®.
"The sea turtle was covered in algae and barnacles and had internal parasites, which are all indications the turtle had been debilitated for some time. After a successful medical treatment plan that included antibiotics, vitamin injections, anti-parasitic medication, fluids and a well-balanced diet, Adele has made a full recovery. She now weighs 5 pounds."
Adele is the first sea turtle to be admitted to the turtle hospital and released in 2017, should everything go as planned today. To date, 15 sea turtles have been admitted for care this year.
Adele, shown here and above, arrived at the Marine Science Center on Jan. 9 after stranding on Daytona Beach.
"She was cold and weak, with an electrolyte imbalance, critically low glucose level and irregular heartbeat," Volusia County spokeswoman Shelley Szafraniec, shown here, told Headline Surfer®.
"The sea turtle was covered in algae and barnacles and had internal parasites, which are all indications the turtle had been debilitated for some time. After a successful medical treatment plan that included antibiotics, vitamin injections, anti-parasitic medication, fluids and a well-balanced diet, Adele has made a full recovery. She now weighs 5 pounds."
Adele is the first sea turtle to be admitted to the turtle hospital and released in 2017. To date, 15 sea turtles have been admitted for care this year, Szafraniec added.
The Marine Science Center is open to the public at 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet. Visitors may view the turtle hospital and walk through a marine display area and seabird rehabilitation center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For additional information,please visit www.marinesciencecenter.com or call 386-304-5545.