Baguette, a 5- to 7-year-old green sea turtle that stranded on Ponte Vedra Beach on March 20, was released in the morning on June 27 at Mickler Beach. Staff at UF Whitney Sea Turtle Hospital triaged the animal in March before it was transported to the Brevard Zoo for rehabilitation.
Brevard Zoo staff named the turtle Baguette because it arrived at the zoo on National French Bread Day. The turtle’s patient history indicates Baguette was lethargic upon arrival. But by May 9, staff noted, “Baguette continues to eat like a champ and is one step closer to release!” To view Baguette’s full patient history on the zoo’s website, visit brevardzoo.org/meet-the-patients-baguette.
Some turtles strand on the beach because they are sick or injured. For turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, obstacles on the beach, including holes dug while building sand sculptures, can be a hazard. It’s important for beachgoers to remove obstacles from the beach when they leave, and to fill in holes that could trap the turtles.
Catherine Eastman of the Whitney lab stated, “…if a sea turtle is found dead or alive (stranded), please call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922. Dispatch will assist the caller and provide next steps to get the animal safe.”
To learn more about what to do if you find a dead or injured sea turtle, visit bit.ly/FWCturtles.
