Massive loggerhead sea turtle full of eggs returns to ocean after treatment in Florida

JUNO BEACH Fla AP A massive sea turtle that was unveiled injured along the Florida coast in May following a boat strike was returned to the ocean on Wednesday The adult female named Pennywise and weighing pounds kilograms was deemed healthy and strong enough to return to the wild after being treated by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center s veterinary organization in Palm Beach County Florida for the past limited months After a short ride from the center six helpers hauled the turtle on a gurney down the beach as dozens of people captured the moment with cell phone videos and photos The helpers then gently laid her down on the sand and the turtle slowly crawled back into the Atlantic People clapped and cheered when she reached the water A large gash from when she was hit by the boat remained visible but otherwise the turtle was healthy Sea turtle interactions with boats are fatal So seeing Pennywise survive her injuries and being able to make it to our center was very very special disclosed Marika Weber a veterinary technician at the center It was something that we could fix heal her up and get her back out into the ocean The center had to transfer the turtle to a horse clinic for diagnostic imaging because she was too large to fit inside more common CT machines It was there that the company discovered she was full of eggs With sea turtle nesting season underway Pennywise has the chance to lay her eggs and continue her vital role in the marine ecosystem It was a really exciting day Weber mentioned We had the society our whole crew here at the hospital all the departments out there to wish her well Because nesting season in Florida runs from March to Oct center administrators are encouraging boaters to slow down and to be especially mindful when navigating what they refer to as the sea turtle protection zone which extends a mile kilometers off the coast All sea turtles are considered endangered or threatened species