SCCF: Green sea turtle survives in pond for a year
Last month, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation sea turtle team received a report of a juvenile green sea turtle in a retention park at an RV park in Fort Myers.
The SCCF reported that it had been observed in the pond sporadically since February, and it was possible that it washed in during Hurricane Ian’s storm surge, which was 10-12 feet high at the site.
“While the sea turtle was not reported to be in distress, the pond in question was landlocked and offered no avenue for the turtle to reach the Gulf,” Coastal Wildlife Director and Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Kelly Sloan said.
SCCF staff received approval from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to successfully capture the sea turtle. A quick examination revealed no signs of external injury.
“Active and looking healthy, the green turtle was relocated to Tarpon Bay, where it was released into much more suitable habitat,” she said.