MARATHON, Fla. (AP) — A rehabilitated green sea turtle was released back to the ocean from the Florida Keys to mark Earth Day Friday.
Several hundred onlookers gathered Friday on a beach in Marathon as staff from the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital released “TJ Sharp” — a juvenile sea turtle that was rescued in February.
The endangered reptile was originally found floating offshore, unable to dive and visibly affected by a condition that causes cauliflower-like tumors. The condition can affect sea turtles worldwide.
TJ required surgical removal of the tumors and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, vitamins and a nourishing diet of greens and mixed seafood.
